HC Deb 15 February 1982 vol 18 cc11-2
11. Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will seek a meeting with the chairman of the Welsh water authority to discuss the cost of water to consumers in Wales for the coming year.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

My right hon. Friend met the chairman to discuss this matter on 29 January 1982.

Mr. Wigley

Will the Minister confirm that in the near future the Welsh water authority will levy an 18.3 per cent. increase in water bills for domestic consumers in Wales and that that increase is about double the level in parts of England? Will he confirm that as long ago as 15 October the Welsh water authority proposed to the Welsh Office higher charges for bulk water supply by Wales to the Severn-Trent area and that no answer has been given? Will he use the powers set out in schedule 4 to the Water Act 1973 to ensure that Wales receives proper recompense for the water that is used by the Severn-Trent area?

Mr. Roberts

With regard to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question, I cannot confirm what the level of charges will be, because the Welsh water authority will meet tomorrow to decide the level of charges for 1982–83. The matter of charges for bulk transfers of water to the Severn-Trent and North-West water authorities has been referred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. He will determine the questions concerned in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. In view of the judicial position it would be improper for me to comment on matters relating to the merits of the dispute.

Mr. Alec Jones

Does the Minister not know that the recommendation that is being considered by the water authority tomorrow recommends an average overall increase in water charges of 16 per cent. in Wales in the coming year, and that for domestic consumers it is 18.3 per cent.? Does he realise that, if the recommendation is accepted, the average domestic water bill in Wales will rise to £79.76? Does he accept that if that recommendation is accepted, the gap between Welsh water bills and water bills in other parts of the United Kingdom will widen again? Does this not show the Government's folly and stupidity in abandoning the Water Charges Equalisation Act, which at least brought a benefit of £3 million to the Welsh water authority and to Welsh domestic consumers? When does he intend to——

Mr. Speaker

Order. Right hon. and hon. Members are being most unreasonable this afternoon. Both questions and answers have been of unreasonable length.

Mr. Roberts

I shall try to be brief in my reply, Mr. Speaker, but I am sure that you appreciate that the questions are long. The reply to the right hon. Gentleman's point about equalisation, is that the amount involved was about £3 million, but he should bear in mind that the annual cost of the water authorities is about £150 million. Authorities must run their affairs so as to break even. There is a statutory duty upon them, and they will certainly not be encouraged, nor will charges be lessened, by the withholding of payment of charges proposed by Plaid Cymru.

Mr. Wigley

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the totally unsatisfactory nature of that answer and the policy of the Government, I give notice that I shall attempt to raise this issue on the Adjournment.