§ 60. Mr. Ripponasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will take steps to make provisions for the rating of Kielder Reservoir in Northumberland and similar reservoirs; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettThe General Rate Act 1967 provides that river regulating reservoirs like Kielder are not rateable. But as part of a general review of the rating of the water industry the Government are considering with representatives of the local authorities and the water industry whether this should continue to be so.
If it is decided that such reservoirs should be rated, I am advised that changes in primary legislation will be required.