WATER industry watchdog head, Mr Ian Byatt, yesterday called for the

''unending escalation'' of prices in England and Wales to be halted.

Speaking in London Mr Wyatt said consumers accepted the cost of their

water would rise. ''But substantial increases have taken place at a time

of severe economic recession,'' he said. ''There is a world of

difference between a necessary once-and-for-all adjustment and an

unending escalation of prices. The escalator has to be stopped,'' Mr

Byatt said. He gave a warning that without action by the industry to

stop the price rises water it could face stronger regulation.