HC Deb 23 June 1976 vol 913 cc1589-90
15. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has given under the Water Charges Act 1976 to local authorities over charges for the emptying of cesspits and septic tanks.

Mr. Denis Howell

Local authorities have been asked to ensure that services that ought to be self-financing do not run at a loss. Many have thought it right to review their charges for emptying cesspools. I have received about 100 letters, mainly through hon. Members, complaining about the increases.

My Department has recently issued a consultation document on the water industry. The problem of sewage disposal from properties not connected to main sewerage is one of the issues on which views have been invited.

Mr. Shepherd

Will the Minister consider allowing regional water authorities to make a charge for the removal of sewage from properties that is based only on the rateable value and regardless of whether the property is served by main drainage, septic tank, or cesspool?

Mr. Howell

There is some confusion here. Responsibility for emptying cesspits rests with local authorities. Responsibility for the disposal of the matter emptied from the cesspits rests with the regional water authorities. Some interesting views are being put forward on this matter, one of which is that perhaps all the responsibility should be taken over by the regional water authorities, which should empty the cesspits, dispose of the matter, and charge householders in the normal way. We want to hear the views of local authorities before commenting, but I must say that I am continually amazed by local authorities wanting to hang on to their responsibilities in this respect.

Mr. Madden

The regional water authorities were set up by the Conservative Party to supply water. Will the Minister relieve customers of charges for water supplies if the authorities are unable to supply water for long periods?

Mr. Howell

I do not think that that problem will arise.

Mr. Crawford

Will the Minister discuss with the Secretary of State for Scotland the possibility of introducing the more equitable system into Scotland that already prevails in England and Wales?

Mr. Howell

The Secretary of State for Scotland has been asking my advice on water reorganisation. I have told him to avoid like the plague the mechanism that the Conservative Party introduced when in Government.