§ Miss Quennellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will examine the desirability of instituting a water rate support grant to lessen the burden of sewerage rates on certain 419W authorities as part of his review of water authority charges.
§ Mr. Denis HowellMy right hon. Friend excludes nothing from consideration.
§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the level of water charges imposed for 1974–75, he will appoint a committee to inquire into the working of the Water Act 1973 with the power to recommend changes in the legislation or in the guidance given by him to the water authorities.
§ Mr. Denis HowellNo. My right hon. Friends have the operation of the Water Act 1973, as of other legislation for which they are responsible, under continuous review. The National Water Council is responsible for advising my right hon. Friends on any matter relating to national water policy. I also have regard to the fact that the council and the regional water authorities assumed their responsibilities only on 1st April 1974.
§ Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the number of ratepayers in England and Wales who pay a sewerage rate but whose rateable hereditament is not connected to a public sewerage system; and what percentage of all domestic ratepayers they represent.
§ Mr. Denis HowellAbout 800,000, or 5 per cent, in unsewered areas. The number in other areas cannot yet be reliably estimated but is perhaps of the same order.
§ Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the number of ratepayers in England and Wales who pay a water rate but whose rateable hereditament is not connected to the main water supply; and what percentage of all domestic ratepayers they represent.
§ Mr. Denis HowellAbout 500 or.003 per cent.