HC Deb 04 August 1976 vol 916 cc1691-3
1. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider introducing legislation at an early date to assist the easement of the difficul situation facing many people who live in homes not connected to the main services.

17. Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has yet been able to formulate proposals to deal with the problem of increases in cesspool emptying and treatment charges.

The Minister of State for Sport and Recreation (Mr. Denis Howell)

The whole question of sewerage services to unconnected properties was raised in the Government's consultative paper on the review of the water industry. We are now considering the representations received in the consultative period—which ended only last week.

Mr. Hardy

Does my right hon. Friend agree that those who are not connected to main sewers face increased demands in the form of charges that amount to about 2p every time a toilet is flushed? In all logic, the cesspit emptying service should be a rateborne service. Will the Minister make a helpful comment on this matter now? If he cannot, will he do so in the Adjournment debate on Friday?

Mr. Howell

I am sorry that between now and Friday I cannot complete my analysis of the hundreds of representations I have received. I agree that it costs about 2p every time a toilet is flushed. That is a very sobering sort of figure. I do not agree that the whole cost should be borne by the ratepayers, in view of the fact that the water industry is now independent of local government. Many of the representations that we have received on this matter suggest that some new method should be found of bearing these costs centrally.

Mr. Moate

This whole problem has arisen principally from the imposition of heavy treatment charges by the water authorities. Does the Minister realise that of the average charge of £18.50 imposed in my area, £10.50 goes to the Southern Water Authority for treatment? The district councils are trying to help a little by virtually waiving the collection charges. Will the Government try to help as well by geeting the water authorities to change their policies?

Mr. Howell

I do not agree with the hon. Member's analysis of the causes of this problem. The real cause arises out of the Daymond judgment and the difficulties that resulted from that. The local authorities have looked again at the actual cost of carrying out this service to the households concerned—a service that for many years has been subsidised. As soon as we are in a position to analyse the representations that we have received and draw up a new policy, we shall put it before the House.

Mr. Lipton

Has any estimate been reached of how much it would cost to link every house in the United Kingdom with gas, electricity, main water and drainage?

Mr. Howell

If it has been estimated, such an estimate has not been received in my Department.

Mr. Speed

Does the Minister agree that "spending a penny" now has a new inflationary meaning? Before legislation is introduced into this House, will we have an opportunity to debate the consultative paper to which he referred? May we be assured that that will happen before the Minister's proposals are introduced?

Mr. Howell

This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House. We shall be delighted to have a debate on the important issue of principle involved here, and if we cannot find time for it I am sure that the Opposition will.