HC Deb 16 February 1981 vol 999 c53W
Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to enable water authorities to charge for effluent on a volume basis rather than on the basis of chemical oxygen demand related to the county average strength; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Giles Shaw

Charges for trade effluent discharge to sewers are based on national guidelines agreed between the National Water Council and the CBI. These provide for charges to be related to the relevant conveyance and treatment costs taking account of the impurity loading of the discharge as well as the volume.

There are no plans to introduce legislation to change this arrangement.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to enable a grant to be made to water authorities as compensation for any reduction in charges for effluent treatment to wool scouring, dyeing and finishing concerns arising out of a decline in activity due to the recession.

Mr. Giles Shaw

We have no plans to do so.