§ 61. Mr. Channonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what representations he has received about the charges levied by the Southend Waterworks Company; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. BevinsMy right hon. Friend has received a number of representations on this matter from hon. Members, and from local authorities and consumers. The reply, shortly, has been that the charges levied are within the maxima prescribed by the Southend (Water Charges) Order, 1957, and my right hon. Friend has no power to interfere. That Order was made by my right hon. Friend after full con-84W sideration of all the representations made at a public local inquiry. It is true that the company made a statement of its intentions about charges in February. 1957, but it was subsequently obliged to impose higher charges. This was because the estimates, on which that statement was based, proved to be wrong.