Minister challenged to stand by views on 'tap tax'

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 14th Oct 2003

ALLIANCE East Antrim representative Sean Neeson has challenge the Minister for Regional Development to stand by his views on water privatisation that he held when the Labour Party was in opposition.

Mr Neeson was referring to a letter he received from John Spellar in 1995, in which the Labour MP said he was "concerned at proposals to introduce legislation through the back door, particularly on water metering".

Mr Neeson said: "It would appear to me that the minister, who now has responsibilities in Northern Ireland for the Water Service, is about to make a serious U-turn on his original standpoint when in opposition.

"This is very disturbing indeed, and clearly shows the impact that direct rule is now having on public services in Northern Ireland. I would ask the Minister to stand by the strong views he held in 1995 when he wrote to me."