HC Deb 19 July 1911 vol 28 cc1032-3
Mr. HAY MORGAN

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the newly adopted policy of the Metropolitan Water Board of rating Nonconformist chapels for the supply of water on the basis of their sitting accommodation, viz., at the rate of one pound per annum for every 300 sittings, thus increasing the cost in many cases by 150 per cent; whether he is aware that such practice weighs heavily on those churches which possess large chapels and small congregations; and whether he proposes to take any steps, by legislation or otherwise, to secure a modification of the system adopted by the Metropolitan Water Board with a view to establishing a more equitable basis of calculation?

Mr. BURNS

I am given to understand that the scale referred to was adopted by the Metropolitan Water Board in 1908, and that it applies to all places of worship. Also that where the supply is merely given to a tap wash-basin or heating apparatus half the rate only is charged. If my hon. Friend has any special case of hardship before him he will no doubt see that it is brought under the notice of the Water Board.