Metering is long term answer to water shortages

4.13.19pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 3rd Apr 2006

Commenting on the announcement that three other water companies are introducing hosepipe bans, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP, said:

"While introducing this ban may alleviate the current crisis, the long term answer is to introduce metering across south east England. People must be encouraged to use water more prudently.

"In addition, modernisation of the pipe network must continue, to reduce the huge amount of water lost everyday.

"The GMB's proposal to build our way out of this crisis would do nothing to cure the long-term problem."