HC Deb 03 March 1970 vol 797 cc62-3W
71. Sir A. V. Harvey

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that the Macclesfield District Water Board proposes to increase the maximum charge for the supply of water taken by meter by the agricultural industry from 3s. 6d. per thousand gallons to 7s. per thousand gallons; and if he will refer the matter to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Mr. Denis Howell

This new maximum charge, which my right hon. Friend recently authorised by order, is intended to last for at least five years and the actual charges in that period are expected to be rather less. The order followed a public local inquiry last September when the Water Board's case, and objections from the agricultural industry and others, were fully considered. There was no evidence that the criteria for price increases had been disregarded.