§ 59. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many water undertakings have applied for consent to increase their charges since he took office; in how many cases consent was given; and what was the average percentage increase in charges permitted.
§ Mr. MarplesConsent has been given in 31 cases: the others are under consideration. The average increase is 30 per cent.
§ 60. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he will take on the application of the Staffordshire Potteries Water Board for consent to increase certain existing charges for water in the North Staffordshire area.
§ Mr. MarplesMy right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to give a decision.
§ 61. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how the existing charges for water supply of the Staffordshire Potteries Water Board compare with the average charges of water undertakings nationally.
§ Mr. MarplesMy right hon. Friend does not know the average charges of water undertakers nationally. The existing charges made by the Board for domestic supplies are, however, less than the charges of 38 water undertakers who have recently applied for increases, whilst for metered supplies their charges are similar.