§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek powers to scrutinise the estimates of water companies and boards on which they base projected tariff increases, in view of the commitment by Her Majesty's Government to make the reduction of the rate of inflation their top economic priority.
§ Mr. Giles ShawWe have no plans to do so providing that the statutory water companies continue to meet their obligations under agreements with the water authorities reached under section 12 of the Water Act 1972. The Government are accutely concerned at the consequences on individuals and companies of increased costs and is therefore taking a close interest in the setting of charges by water authorities.