§ 25. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will make a statement on his negotiations with the Southend Waterworks Company.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanI have asked for the company's views on the application of the water code of the 1945 Act to their undertaking. I would not expect them to come to a decision without time for consideration, and I think that it is too soon to make any statement on the negotiations.
§ Mr. BraineIn view of the widespread feeling that the company's recent raising of assessments in country districts operates unfairly between one district and another, would my right hon. Friend consider, on behalf of my own supporters and those of the party opposite, asking the company not to exercise its powers under the 1921 Act pending a settlement?
§ Mr. MacmillanThis matter is rather complicated. The provisions of the Third Schedule cover many more points than the one raised by my hon. Friend. He had better discuss the matter with me and we shall see what we can do.