To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations he has received on increasing the five- year periodic review cycle in respect of setting price limits for water companies; and if he will make a statement. (116445)

Ofwat's 2006 consultation ‘Setting water and sewerage prices, is five years right?’ sought views on a number of issues including the length of time between price reviews.

Over 30 responses were received from water industry stakeholders. A summary of responses is included in Ofwat's document ‘A sustainable water industry—To PR09 and beyond’. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House and is also available on Ofwat's website at:

http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/aptrix/ofwat/publish.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/SustainableWaterInd011106.pdf/$FILE/SustainableWaterInd011106.pdf.

My Department continues to work closely with Ofwat and other water industry stakeholders in preparation for the 2009 periodic review of price limits.