Vol. 525 No. 3
284 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will clarify the recent decision at EU level in relation to water charges; the Government's policy in relation to charges; and if there are any circumstances in relation to household swimming pools or jacuzzis whereby charges may be considered. [24926/00]
In accordance with Article 9 of the recently adopted directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy, member states will be required to take account of the principle of the recovery of costs of water services having regard to the social, environmental and economic effects of recovery. I am satisfied that current Government policy in respect of charges for water services complies with the requirements of the directive. This policy requires local authorities to recover the costs of providing water services to non-domestic users from those users. The costs of the provision of water services to domestic users will continue to be met from public funds. Use for purposes incidental to a dwelling house where water is not drawn from a tap inside the house is excluded from the legal definition of domestic use as is supply of water to an apparatus depending while in use upon a supply of continuously running water. I shall be reviewing this definition in the context of a water services Bill at present under preparation.
