§ 61. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that in the case of the Cove Chalet Park (Portland) Limited, the Dorset Water Board has imposed a 300 per cent. increase; whether he will refer this increase to the National Board for Prices and Incomes; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThis consumer is now paying the equivalent of the water rate on the net annual value of the property, as the minimum charge for his metered supply. This is a standard arrangement of the Dorset Water Board which took over responsibility from the Portland Urban District Council on 1st April, 1969. The council formerly charged by meter subject to a much smaller minimum charge. This difference in treatment is the reason for the increase and I would not contemplate referring to the National Board for Prices and Incomes a charge which had increased 267W simply because, following regrouping of water undertakings, it had come on to a basis which is common practice.