HC Deb 28 May 1971 vol 818 cc245-6W
Mr. Braine

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the growth in the demand for water, he is satisfied with the present method of charging users a price which does not relate directly to the quantities consumed; and whether he will set up an inquiry into the desirability of introducing a more equitable and rational system of charging.

Name of Scheme Estimated gross cost Estimated net eligible cost Type of dereliction
£ £
Wharncliffe Woodmoor £ 54,663 £ 54,633 Spoil heap

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the dereliction clearance schemes that have been approved in the South Yorkshire intermediate area, specifying the type of scheme, at what total cost and how much these schemes have benefited from Government aid.

Mr. Graham Page

In the Yorkshire coalfield intermediate area the following

DERELICT LAND RECLAMATION SCHEMES
Local authority Name of Scheme Estimated Gross Cost Estimated Net Eligible Cost Type of dereliction
£ £
Adwick-Le-Street U.D.C. Ridge Balk Lane 6,221 6,221 Lime pit.
Barnsley C.B.C. Wharncliffe Woodmoor 54,663 54,663 Spoil heap.
*Castleford M.B.C. Barnes Road 11,000 11,000 Brickworks.
Conisbrough U.D.C. Doncaster Road 3,283 3,283 Former housing site.
*Dalton Parish Council Magna Lane 1,761 1,761 Former sewage works.
Dodworth U.D.C. Land at Gilroyd 3,271 3,271 Former sewage works.
*Doncaster C.B.C. Greenfield Lane 35,000 35,000 Railway land.
Hemsworth R.D.C. Vale Estate 3,421 3,421 Former housing site.
*Hoyland Nether U.D.C. Hawshaw Lane, Ph. I 707 707 Spoil heap.
Hoyland Nether U.D.C. Hawshaw Lane, Ph. II 3,744 3,744 Colliery.
Mexborough U.D.C. Whitelea Grove 34,604 34,604 Railway and subsided land.
Mexborough U.D.C. Pastures Road 829 829 Abandoned buildings.
Mexborough U.D.C. West Road Quarry 4,200 4,200 Quarry.

Mr. Graham Page

The water rate is not an ideal method of charging for domestic supplies but it is cheap and convenient to administer and other methods are not free from disadvantages. However. I shall be considering methods of charge in the context of the future organisation of water supply.