HC Deb 13 November 1974 vol 881 c381
1. Miss Fookes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when ratepayers not receiving sewerage services may expect relief from the present charges.

6. Mr. Stanley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment from what date those not on main drainage will be exempted from the main drainage element in sewerage charges.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Gordon Oakes)

My hon. Friend the Minister of State with responsibility for sport and recreation hopes to make an announcement very soon.

Miss Fookes

We expected a more positive answer than that. When shall we get some information?

Mr. Oakes

Very soon, as I said.

Mr. Stanley

As the Minister has apparently conceded that it is not right that properties not connected to mains drainage should bear the mains drainage element in the sewerage charge, will he convey to his hon. Friend the firm expectation of people thereby affected that the exemption should apply as from the next financial year, 1975–76?

Mr. Oakes

The report from the water authority has been received, but I will convey the hon. Member's view to my hon. Friend.