To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with Ofwat on the role of climate change adaptation in the Ofwat Price Review 2009; and if he will make a statement. (241185)

Ministers have regular discussions with Ofwat on a range of issues, including the 2009 Price Review. DEFRA has issued statutory Social and Environmental Guidance to Ofwat. This provides Ofwat with a steer on the key social and environmental policies that the Government expect it to contribute to in carrying out its role as the independent economic regulator of the water industry. This includes adaptation to climate change. The report is available on the water pages of the DEFRA website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his Department’s position is on the priorities to be achieved by the Ofwat Price Review 2009. (241187)

DEFRA’s priorities for the 2009 Price Review are set out in its Statement of Obligations to water companies and regulators and its statutory Social and Environmental Guidance to Ofwat. Copies of both documents are available on the water pages of the DEFRA website.