§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions have been held with representatives of(a) textile, (b) fish processing and (c) food processing industries about the implications of metered water charges to be levied from 1 April 1989 subsequent to the implementation of part V, section 25 and schedule 5 to the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMetered water charges are set by the water authorities, the regional and islands councils, who are free to consult industries in their areas. The extent of discussions between the authorities and the particular industries mentioned is not known.
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to seek to amend part V, section 25 and schedule 5 to the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987; and if he will make a statement on the effect of proposed metered water charges on(a) existing industries and (b) inward investment to Scotland.
Lord James Douglas HamiltonThere are no plans to amend part V, section 25 of and schedule 5 to the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987.
The new arrangements require water authorities to adopt an even-handed approach which will be fair to all classes of consumer. This will not increase the total operating cost of supplying water but the cost to each class of consumer may vary. Metered charges have risen but for businesses and industries with low water consumption and high rateable values there could be reductions in costs., resulting from the abolition of the public water rate. Also, many who pay the non-domestic water rate, typically commercial and small business ratepayers, can expect to benefit.
Scotland remains an attractive location for companies seeking a European base. I would not envisage that the increased metered water charges would have a significant effect on the ability to attract new industries.
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in theOfficial Report the metered water charges to be levied per cubic metre in each Scottish regional authority area after 1 April 1989 subsequent to the implementation of part V, paragraph 25 and schedule 5 to the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987; and if he will show the percentage increase or decrease in each case from charges in the financial year 1988–89.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe new charges set by the regional councils and the percentage increases are: 215W
Metered water charge from 1 April 1989 pence per cubic metre Increase over the charge in 1988–89 per cent. Borders 28.00 27 Central 21.00 24 Dumfries and Galloway 28.20 64 Fife 26.00 18 Grampian 43.00 110 Highland 33.50 72 Lothian 28.70 53 Strathclyde 27.84 69 Tayside 32.00 39 In Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Grampian, Highland and Strathclyde, the abolition of the public water rate will provide some offsetting savings in charges. For some consumers, these savings will more than compensate for the increase in metered charges.
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in theOfficial Report the number and source of representations he has received: (a) 216W supporting, and (b) opposing proposed metered water charges to be levied after 1 April 1989, subsequent to the implementation of part V, paragraph 25 and schedules to the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonRepresentations ex-pressing concern about the planned meter water charges have been received on behalf of nine trade and business associations and six companies.