29. Colonel NEWMANasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the increase in the charges for water that have been made in the Metropolitan district for the current quarter; that the Barnet District Water Company have increased their rate by approximately 20 per cent., and that the explanation given is that the increase is authorised by the Minister of Health; and whether these increases have been made without legisla- 2062 tion and the authority of his Ministry alone?
§ Sir A. MONDI am aware of the increases referred to. Those made by the Metropolitan Water Board were authorised by the Metropolitan Water Board (Charges) Act, 1921, and did not require my consent. The increased charges of the Barnet District Water Company were authorised by an Order made by me under the Water Undertakings (Modification of Charges) Act, 1921, after an inquiry and full consideration of all the facts. No objection was made to the Order, and the Act provides that in the absence of objection the Order may take effect without the confirmation of Parliament.
Colonel NEWMANWhen this inquiry was held, were those concerned given a chance to appear, so that they might object?
§ Sir A. MONDIt is necessarily open to take objection to any such Order, and if it be taken, the Order must come before the House. No objection has been taken to the Order.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEDoes the right hon. Gentleman know that the consumers in Barnet have no information whatsoever of this intended increase, and will he give them the opportunity of being heard on the subject before the Order is allowed to be put into operation?
§ Sir A. MONDI was not aware of what the hon. and gallant Gentleman says.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEMay I send the right hon. Gentleman proof of the fact that that is the case, and, if so, will he take the matter into consideration?
§ Sir A. MONDMost certainly I will.