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23 Nov 2005 : Column 2023W—continued
Water Consumption
Dr. McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes there have been in levels of water consumption in Northern Ireland over the last three years. [30624]
Mr. Woodward: The Chief Executive of Water Service (Mrs. Katharine Bryan) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
Letter from Mrs. Katharine Bryan to Dr. William McCrea, dated 23 November 2005:
You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question about what changes there have been in levels of water consumption in Northern Ireland over the last three years (30624). I have been asked to reply as this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Water Service.
| As at March: | Million litres per day |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 503 |
| 2004 | 498 |
| 2005 | 490 |
There is a high degree of estimation used in arriving at these consumption figures, mainly due to the low level of metering in Northern Ireland. There are also a number of factors which affect the level of water consumption, including seasonal variations in weather. Water Service manages water demand through a range of measures included in its Water Efficiency Plan, including raising awareness about water conservation and the promotion of water saving devices.
Dr. McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what opportunities he has identified in Northern Ireland for significant water savings by consumers. [30692]
Mr. Woodward: The Chief Executive of Water Service (Mrs. Katharine Bryan) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
Letter from Mrs. Katharine Bryan to Dr. William McCrea, dated 23 November 2005:
You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question about what opportunities he has identified by consumers in Northern Ireland for significant water savings (30692). I have been asked to reply as this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Water Service.
Water Service's second Water Efficiency Plan, which was published on 12 January 2004, set out a wide range of measures aimed at reducing demand for water through the effective use of water by both Water Service and its customers. One of the key aspects of the plan is a reduction in the level of leakage. A significant programme of investment has resulted in leakage being reduced by over 100 megalitres per day (Ml/d) from 291 Ml/d in March 2002 to the current level of 190 Ml/d at September 2005. In achieving this level of reduction Water Service has been actively encouraging customers to play their part in eliminating leakage within private property. It is estimated that some 20 per cent. of total leakage occurs within the customers' pipework, therefore customers have an important contribution to make to this aim. In 2004, the Water Service introduced the Leakline" free telephone number (08000 282011) to encourage customers to report any visible leaks.
Water Service continues to raise awareness of the need for water efficiency by providing practical advice on the actions that the customers can take. These include carrying out water efficiency audits and the installation of Hippo bags in larger toilet cisterns to reduce the amount of water used. Water efficiency is also promoted through the distribution of leaflets to customers, through public displays, exhibitions and presentations identifying how water can be used wisely in the home, school, business and agricultural premises Over the past few years, water efficiency leaflets have been issued to every property in Northern Ireland. Water Service has a double decker bus, known as the Waterbus, which contains an exhibition on water and sewerage services. The Waterbus visits schools to make children aware of the water cycle, water sources, water treatment, the efficient use of water and wastewater treatment, through a number of displays, models, experiments, video shows and computers.
Water Service's annual customer survey contains a number of the questions relating to water efficiency and in recent years the responses have indicated an increasing awareness of water efficiency among customers.
Wind Farms
Dr. McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications for planning permission have been granted for wind turbines in South Antrim constituency in each of the last three years. [30225]
Angela E. Smith: Details of the number of wind turbines granted approval in the South Antrim constituency in each of the last three years are set out in the following table.
| Number of wind turbines approved | |
|---|---|
| 2002–03 | 5 |
| 2003–04 | 2 |
| 2004–05 | 4 |
Youth Funding
Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funding will be provided to implement the Province's Children and Young People strategy. [24892]
Angela E. Smith: The Strategy for Children and Young People is currently being re-drafted and will be launched in February 2006. Implementation of the strategy will involve the development of fully costed plans updated and reviewed on a regular basis.
In addition, as part of our proposals for the draft budget for Northern Ireland for 2006–08 an additional £25 million has been provided in each of the next two years to ensure that every child has the best start in life. This will include driving forward our policies in areas such as pre-school and extended/out-of-hours school-based activities, child care and Sure Start, as well as measures to foster their health and well-being.
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Development Instrument
Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether the Development Instrument will provide funding for education. [30264]
23 Nov 2005 : Column 2026W
Mr. Thomas: The Development Co-operation and Economic Co-operation Instrument (DCECI) will provide development funding for all countries currently covered by the Asia, Latin America and parts of the TACIS (Technical Assistance to the Commonwealth of Independent States) Regulations. The Commission has also suggested it covers funding for the ACP countries (Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific). Likewise, it will provide funding for thematic programmes in specific sectors of global or multi-country nature, which cannot be covered by normal country or regional programmes.
Country and regional programmes establish the focus of Community assistance in specific countries and regions. This will be based on partner Governments' specific needs and development plans. It will also reflect the added value of Community aid in particular countries and sectors. Funding of activities in the field of education will depend on these factors. From experience, we know that Community country programmes do fund activities in the field of education.
Globally applicable or cross-cutting education initiatives may also fall under the thematic funding banner. This is likely to remain the case for the new batch of thematic programmes to be launched under the next Financial Perspectives (2007–13).
Disaster Relief
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of Government funding in respect of (a) the tsunami, (b) the Pakistan earthquake, (c) the situation in Niger and (d) the situation in Southern Africa has been directed to (i) the International Movement of the Red Cross, (ii) Red Crescent, (iii) International Red Cross/Crescent Federation, (iv) all non-government organisations and (v) United Nation agencies. [29690]
Mr. Thomas: The percentage of Government funding provided in response to the Asian tsunami, Pakistan earthquake, Niger and Southern Africa humanitarian crises which has been directed to the International Movement of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, International Red Cross/Crescent Federation, non-government organisations and United Nations agencies is set out in the following table. Where relevant, funding for humanitarian relief and reconstruction has been separately recorded. The 'Total UK Government funding' figures shown refer to funding commitments given by DFID in response to current (and ongoing) crises.
(27) Tsunami figures cover contributions to Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, and Maldives.
Of the £65.00 million for reconstruction £41.40 million has been committed; £25.60 million to the multi Donor Trust Fund with further amounts pledged to the Decentralisation Support Facility, Transparency International and World Bank. The remaining funds are yet to be programmed.
(28) Announced 19 November, not yet programmed by agency.
(29) Southern Africa covers contributions to Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
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(30) Still to be programmed
Other funds provided by UK Government are disbursed through the DFID programme or given directly to the partner Government.
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