To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the effect of universal water metering on (a) the net income of the water industry and (b) the rate of consumption of water by domestic consumers. (286786)

No estimate has been made of the effect of universal metering on the net income on the water industry.

Research shows that, on average, the rate of consumption by household customers is reduced by about 10 per cent. when metered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what definition his Department uses of a permeable surface in relation to surface water drainage charges. (288074)

Government guidance to Ofwat does not define permeable surfaces. It is generally accepted that they include, for example, burial grounds, grass sports fields and school playing fields. These drain naturally rather than into public sewers. Permeable areas should not count towards the chargeable area under site area charging for surface water drainage.