Calls for compulsory water-metering across Sussex are being backed by Lewes MP Norman Baker.

The Liberal Democrat environment spokesman urged the Government to "grasp the nettle" at a time the county's water reserves are running dry.

Much of Sussex has been hit by hosepipe and sprinkler bans after a dry winter left reservoirs short of supplies for summer.

Mr Baker's intervention follows demands by Southern Water to introduce water meters, estimated to cut consumption by about ten per cent.

Mr Baker told the Commons it was madness for the Government to duck the issue of universal metering.

He said: "Someone can leave every tap in their house running all day and, if they are unmetered, will pay the same as someone who has their taps turned off.

"Given water scarcity in the South-East, where global warming is kicking in quickly and where significant development involving thousands of new homes is to be foisted on us, it is madness to ignore the policy's impact on water resources.

"The Government need to grasp the nettle of metering. They should not leave that to water companies or blame someone else but should take a lead themselves."

Environment Minister Elliot Morley said it was up to water companies to apply to introduce metering. He said: "Metering is the fairest and most sustainable way of paying for water.

"There is not a water shortage throughout the country so the provision for companies to apply for scarcity status, which will bring compulsory metering, is a resonable way of addressing the problem."