§ Mr. Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what he expects to be the impact of the proposals for targets for water authorities on the water rates levied in the Yorkshire water authority's area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneThe increase in charges is expected to be above the general rate of inflation, but I cannot be more precise because agreements on financial targets for individual water authorities have yet to be reached and the actual effect on charges will only become clear when the authority fixes its budget early next year.