§ Mr. Priorasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is satisfied that the powers available to water undertakings to vary charges based on gross rateable value to take into account the number of people living in the property are sufficient; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellishThere are no powers to vary water rates in this way. The possibility of a charge based on the number of occupants was considered by the Sub-Committee on Water Charges of the Central Advisory Water Committee, among a number of alternatives to charges based on rateable value. The SubCommittee—whose report is under consideration—thought that the administrative difficulties would seriously outweigh any benefit that might result.