§ Mr. G. Longdenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what response he has had from water undertakings to his Circular No. 64/62 requesting them so to adjust their rate poundages in the 277W light of the 1963 revaluation for rating that their income from water rates should not be substantially increased ; whether he will now take steps to revise the method of levying water rates ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Corfield: My right hon. Friend has no reason to think that water undertakers have disregarded the requests in the circular that they should, as far as practicable, adjust their rate poundages so as to do no more than maintain their 278W income from water rates, and that, where an increase in income was necessary, it should be kept to a minimum. The Water Charges Sub-Committee of the Central Advisory Water Committee has recommended, among other things, that the present method of levying water rates should be retained but with certain modifications. Their Report is under consideration and my right hon. Friend will make a statement on it as soon as he can.