Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott has said that the Hillyard report into the Water charges here has not clarified what the position of farmers will be once the new billing structure is implemented in 2009.

"While the Report has stated that from 2009 the new billing structure will be introduced through the rates, it has not clarified what will happen to farmers and businesses who already pay off a metered system.

"I myself am just one of many farmers across Northern Ireland who for years has been paying through a meter. When the new system is introduced, does this mean that I will have to pay twice for my water, once through my meter and once through my rates? This is something that needs clarification so that farmers will have clear knowledge of how the changes will affect them, just like everyone else in Northern Ireland."

Mr Elliott noted that the current metering system used by farmers will remain in place at least until 2009 when the wholesale changes for Northern Ireland concerning the payment for water will take place. But, he submitted it was unfair on farmers to not let them know what is going to happen in their situation, while the rest of the country is made aware of exactly how the changes will impact their lives.

Mr Elliott, who is the UUP's agricultural spokesman concluded: "Now that un-clarified proposals for the introduction of water charges have been drawn-up, clear direction should be given as to what is really behind the proposals. Anyone who met me on the doorsteps throughout the election period in March knows that I was in strong opposition to the introduction of additional water charges. My view remains the same."