§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales what level of increase he envisages that the removal of water equalisation charges and the Government's decision that water authorities work within set cash limits will have on the water rates for the coming year.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe loss of equalisation payments is expected to add some 5 per cent. to the average bill for unmeasured water supply for 1981–82 in the area of the Welsh water authority. The setting of an external financial limit affects charges only to the extent of limiting the amount the authority may borrow; it is for it to set its charges in the light of this and other relevant considerations, but I am sure that it will bear in mind the need to keep any increase to the minimum, consistent with sound financing and the maintenance of adequate standards of service.