HC Deb 13 October 1975 vol 897 cc838-9
5. Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if Her Majesty's Government accept the recommendations of the Daniel Committee concerning water charges in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alec Jones

The charging issue covered by the report is of such complexity and importance that it needs to be considered as a matter of priority and in the context of the forthcoming review of the Water Act which was announced on 15th August. Preparatory studies on charging and on the powers of a central authority are in hand, and when these are completed we intend to issue a consultation paper early next year.

Mr. Wigley

I think that the people of Wales will be very amazed at the extraordinary delay that there has been in the publication of this report. Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that the delay between March and August in the publication of the report, if it did nothing else, should at least have given time for studying the complex problems to which it relates? Does he realise that there will be amazement in Wales if, by the next financial year, no formula is forthcoming which will alleviate the burden being put on the rates by water charges? Will the Government give top priority to sorting that problem out?

Mr. Alec Jones

It is because the Government regard the matter with urgency that immediately on publication of the report we set up a committee to investigate the complicated recommendations and suggestions included in the Daniel Report. There was no delay in publishing the report from the Government's point of view. As soon as the report was received, it was sent to the printers. A number of factors, including industrial action, for instance, prevented its becoming available for issue until early in August.

Sir Raymond Gower

In view of the fact that in any event, owing to inflation and other circumstances, water charges are likely to be rather high in the years ahead, will the Government contemplate extending to water charges the rate rebate which applies to ordinary local government rates?

Mr. Alec Jones

The hon. Gentleman has given us a good example of the way in which the Opposition on the one hand call on us to reduce public expenditure and, on the other, when it suits their political convenience, call on us to increase it.