§ Mr. Tylerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated percentage rise in water charges in each of the former water board areas concerned following the creation of the South West Water Authority.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe percentage rises, in 1974–75, in standard water charges in the areas of the former water170W boards and the Plymouth Corporation, following the creation of the South West Water Authority, are:
Former water undertakers Water rate in the £Per cent. Charge by meter (per 100 gallons) Per cent. East Devon Water Board 28 31 North Devon Water Board 149 136 South West Devon Water Board 35 29 Plymouth Corporation 63 51 East Cornwall Water Board 229 127 North and Mid Cornwall Water Board 84 74 South Cornwall Water Board 65 64 West Cornwall Water Board 50 44 The percentage increases are more marked in Devon and Cornwall because of the practice whereby some of the former water boards in the area covered a substantial part of their expenditure by precepting on the general rates. The rates will, of course, now be relieved of that item.
§ Mr. Tylerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek powers to enable him to regulate the charges made to ratepayers by regional water authorities for water and sewerage.
§ Mr. Denis HowellCharges for water supply are already subject to the Price Code. Sewerage charges would be so subject from next year.