Introductory text

the Secretary of State is satisfied that, by reason of an exceptional shortage of rain, a serious deficiency of supplies of water is threatened in the area of United Utilities Water plc (“the Company”) that is served by Ullswater (“the area”);

an application has been made by the Company under section 73(3)(b) of the Water Resources Act 1991 (“the Act”) ^f1;

the Secretary of State is satisfied in accordance with paragraph 2(5) of Schedule 8 to the Act that the proper notices have been published and served by the applicant in accordance with paragraph 1 of that Schedule;

a local inquiry has been held in accordance with paragraph 2 of that Schedule; and

it appears to the Secretary of State expedient to modify the restrictions to which the Company is subject as respects the taking of water from Ullswater with a view to meeting the deficiency of supplies of water in the area;