§ COLONEL NORTHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, If his attention has been called to the enormously increased charges of the Metropolitan Water Companies under certain alleged legal rights in their Acts of Parliament consequent on the re-assessment of property; and, whether the Government contemplate any Commission of Inquiry on the subject with the view of protecting the public against such charges, and making the supply of water and not rateable value the basis of payment?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERThe attention of the Government has recently been directed to this matter, which is one that undoubtedly requires consideration. I do not know whether it will be worth while going to the expense of appointing a Commission of Inquiry; but, as I said, it undoubtedly demands inquiry of some sort.