Welsh Water Authority

HC Deb 13 February 1983 vol 54 cc3-5

2. Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he next proposes to meet the chairman of the Welsh water authority.

The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Wyn Roberts)

My right hon. Friend last met the chairman on Tuesday 24 January, and has no immediate plans for a further meeting.

Mr. Jones

With reference to the Department's response to the Select Committee's report, why has the Minister so signally failed to bring forward measures to achieve equalisation of water charges and to give water rate rebates?

The widespread contamination of the north east Wales drinking water supplies by the dangerous chemical phenol has caused grave public disquiet. Does the Minister agree that the alarming factor is that phenol, which attacks the kidneys and can cause cancer, got through the system into my constituents' water supplies? Is he aware that the south Clwyd community physician reported a wave of minor illnesses which coincided with the contamination? Will the Minister institute a public inquiry? When will the water authority publish its findings? Will the findings be made available to the public? Will my constituents be able to claim compensation? Can the Under-Secretary assure the House that such a serious lapse will not happen again?

Mr. Roberts

The matters to which the hon. Gentleman refers in connection with the Select Committee report were dealt with in the Government's response to that report. I dare say that we shall have an opportunity to discuss those matters in a debate on Welsh day and, possibly, in the Welsh Grand Committee.

I, too, was very disturbed about the pollution incident. The Welsh water authority and the North West water authority art undertaking a joint investigation of the causes and effects of that incident and the lessons to be learnt from it. Welsh Office officials are in close touch with the Welsh water authority, and I have asked to be informed of the results of the joint investigations. We shall then consider what further action to take.

Sir Anthony Meyer

There is undoubtedly scope for amending the system of water charges, but would it not be very difficult to sell to consumers in Wales the idea of introducing a standing charge?

Mr. Roberts

The Welsh water authority is aware of that problem. It has been, and still is, discussing its new tariff arrangements with local consumer committees.

Mr. Golding

Will the Minister arrange to meet the chairman as quickly as possible and tell him that the proposal to levy an additional rate on those who rent or own rivers will hit the Welsh fishery associations very hard and that there is great opposition among anglers everywhere to this additional burden?

Mr. Roberts

I am sure that the chairman of the Welsh water authority will note what the hon. Gentleman said. The matter is under consideration.

Mr. Raffan

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is serious public concern about the proposed reorganisation of the Welsh water authority? Does he agree that the creation of a north Wales operating division, not at Mold but at Bangor, away from industrial and population centres, is bound to reduce the service to domestic and industrial users, and that the transfer of laboratory facilities from Chester to Caernarfon, also away from industrial centres, will increase the problems of pollution control, which are particularly worrying in view of the recent contamination of the River Dee?

Mr. Roberts

I do not think that all Gwynedd Members would agree with my hon. Friend. The internal reorganisation of the Welsh water authority is a matter for the authority. It is not a matter in which my right hon. Friend can intervene. However, if the reorganisation leads to cost reductions, it will be welcomed by Welsh water rate payers.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

When the Minster meets the chairman of the water authority, will he discuss with him the pollution of all fishery rivers in Wales, especially the four serious incidents last year in the River Mawddach, which is in my constituency? Will the Welsh Office ensure that there is adequate funding for anti-pollution and anti-poaching in measures those rivers?

Mr. Roberts

Those are matters for the authority. We are aware that it pays proper regard to pollution. I am sure that it is fully aware of the incidents in the River Mawddach.

Sir Raymond Gower

I am aware that the equalisation of charges is a substantial issue which requires long-term consideration, but will the Welsh Office reconsider rebates? As rebates are available to water consumers in Scotland, is there any reason why they should not also be available in Wales?

Mr. Roberts

My hon. Friend is aware that it is possible to give rebates to people who receive supplementary benefit, but any rebate in a system which is devised by a water authority must be paid for by other consumers. My hon. Friend will know that partial equalisation was tried and that it failed.

Mr. Gareth Wardell

When the Secretary of State next meets the chairman of the water authority, will he seek an assurance that no more white elephants, such as that built at Haverfordwest, will be built so that the disruption to some of my constituents, who will now have to move to Haverfordwest to work, will not happen again?

Mr. Roberts

I am afraid that we are back to the internal reorganisation of the authority, which is a matter for the authority. The Government are satisfied that the newly-created authority, which came into being in April 1982, is fully equipped to carry out its own reorganisation and to come to a proper judgment upon it.

Dr. Marek

Has the Minister undertaken to publish the report on pollution in north east Wales?

Mr. Roberts

It is premature for me to give any such assurance.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I have allowed a good run on this question, as I understand that it is of great importance to Welsh Members. The House will understand if we now get on rather more rapidly.