§ 36. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will refer the 42 per cent. increase in the water rate proposed to be charged by the Cotswold Water Board to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mr. Denis Howell:I understand that the water board has raised the water rates 63W this year by between 33⅓ per cent. and 37½ per cent. While these increases are relatively large, my right hon. Friend has no evidence that the criteria for price increases have been disregarded and he does not propose to refer them to the Prices and Incomes Board.