§ Order of the day for the Second Reading read.
§ LORD SNELLMy Lords, in moving the Second Reading of this Bill I think only a few words of commendation from me are required. This is a Bill to confirm a Provisional Order made under the Public Health Act, 1875, and the Order if confirmed will enable the Borough of Poole to make an increase in the charges for the supply of water for domestic use and for other purposes. The borough carry on their water undertaking under the Poole Corporation Act, 1906, and other Acts and Orders. The maximum rates and charges for water supplied for domestic use and water supplied by meter are prescribed by Sections 45 and 52 of the Poole Corporation Act, 1906. In the preparation of estimates for the year ending March 1942, it became evident that there would be a deficit in the account for the year. To remove this difficulty it is proposed by 75 Clause 4 of the present Order to enable the Corporation to charge for a supply of water for domestic use a rate not exceeding 15 per cent. per annum of the net value of the premises supplied and if the supply is by meter at the rate of 2s. 6d. per thousand gallons. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Snell.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed.