§ 43. Mr. Perkinsasked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he can give an estimate as to the number of people who pay water and sewage rates in rural areas although these facilities are not provided and there is little chance of their provision in the future; to what extent such payment is compulsory; and whether he will consider changing the law so that such people are not compelled to pay towards facilities which they cannot themselves enjoy.
§ Mr. DaltonIt is impossible to identify people who do not benefit directly from a service which is borne upon the general rate. Under the Rural Water and Sewerage Bill I hope to change the law so as to extend the facilities.
§ Mr. PerkinsIs the Minister aware that in spite of this new extension from £15 million to £45 million there will be thousands, probably hundreds of thousands of people who will never get any benefit? Why should they have to pay a water rate?
§ Mr. DaltonThat is a rather defeatist view. It is true that we are handicapped by years of past neglect in this country, but as was explained in yesterday's debate—I do not know if the hon. Member was present—this Government are making very rapid strides towards overtaking the neglect of past decades.
§ Mr. PerkinsDo I understand the Minister to guarantee that all cottages in the country districts will get a water supply in the lifetime of the present Government?