This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Stage one of Water Bill
06/12/2001
The Stage 1 debate on the Water Industry Bill was opened in Parliament today. the said:
Opening the debate, Minister for the Environment and Rural Development Ross Finnie reaffirmed the Executive's commitment to a public sector, locally accountable water industry.
He said:
"I welcome the Transport and Enviroment Committee's support for the general principles of the Bill.
"The essence of this Bill is very straightforward: Scotland requires a single, efficient, publicly accountable and locally responsible water authority to keep down charges and manage the investment that will assure us of first class drinking water and cleaner beaches."
Mr Finnie went on to say:
"What is important about this Bill is that it in Scottish Water we are creating a body that will be genuinely accountable and locally responsive to the people of Scotland: through Ministers, the Parliament and to the public.
"For example, Scottish Water will have a duty to report on a six monthly basis to this Parliament. Customer Panels, will provide a distinct and locally accountable voice for customers; and the Water Industry Commissioner will be the industry's economic and customer regulator.
"The Bill will also provide for a properly accountable and appropriately empowered Board that will ensure that Scottish Water delivers an efficient and high quality service.
The Stage 1 debate on the Water Industry Bill took place this morning, following the endorsement of the general principles of the Bill by the Transport and Environment Committee.
The Bill has three main purposes, the most important of which is to establish Scottish Water as the successor to the existing three water authorities.
The Bill's other parts provide for the appointment of a Drinking Water Quality Regulator to ensure compliance with the legislation on drinking water quality, and improved representation of the interests of water customers. The latter will involve setting up new Water Customer Consultation Panels, chaired by an independent Convener, with the power to publish reports and make recommendations to the Water Industry Commissioner.
If the Bill's general principles are approved today, it will go into Stage 2 consideration by the Transport and Environemtn Committee where the detail of the Bill will be scrutinised and amendments proposed.
It is hoped that the Bill will complete its passage through the Parliament in early 2002, to allow Scottish Water to vest in April 2002.