HC Deb 03 February 1966 vol 723 cc1272-3
31. Mr. Dean

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether, in view of the concern felt at the proposed increase in water rates, he will refer this matter to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Mr. George Brown

I do not consider this is called for.

Mr. Dean

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the increases proposed by the Bristol Waterworks Company and other waterworks companies are largely the result of higher taxation imposed by this Government? Does he think it fair that these companies should "carry the can" for increases which are largely the result of Government policy?

Mr. Brown

The water companies are not "carrying the can" for anything for which we are responsible. If the hon. Gentleman considers the matter a little more closely, he will realise that we have taken steps which his right hon. and hon. Friends did not take. I do not think that the proposal which he makes in his Question would help.

Mr. Ridsdale

Why is the right hon. Gentleman just as hard-hearted as the Chancellor of the Exchequer? Surely he realises that this iniquitous rise in rates is falling on those least able to bear it—the old-age pensioners?

Mr. Brown

I do not recognise what the hon. Gentleman says. The answer to the firs, part of his supplementary question is: because we always move in tandem.

Mr. Barber

Surely the First Secretary realises that the reason for the increase in rates is primarily due to the changes which were made in the Corporation Tax, as was admitted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. Brown

The right hon. Gentleman should put that Question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Let him by all means do so.