HC Deb 15 July 1920 vol 131 c2634W
Mr. R. M'NEILL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction of the inhabitants of Lyminge, Kent, at the proposal of the Elham Valley Water Company to increase their charges by 100 per cent., which they regard as unreasonable; whether such increase can be made without the sanction of the Board of Trade; and whether, before giving sanction to such increase, he will hold a local inquiry into the conditions alleged to necessitate such increase?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

An application by the Elham Valley Water Company, under the Statutory Undertakings (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1918, for authority to increase their charges by 100 per cent. is now under consideration by the Board of Trade. Some of the local authorities concerned have lodged objections, and they will be given an opportunity of being represented at the hearing of the application.