To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to reduce the variation in charges levied for water supply by different water supply companies, with special reference to variations within the same geographical areas. [5267]

Water charges levied by individual water companies are a matter for the Director General of Water Services, who is responsible for setting price limits for water and sewerage services.The Director General is currently conducting a periodic review of price limits which will set the framework for charges from 1 April 2000.