HC Deb 02 May 1974 vol 872 cc548-9W
Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide a system of rebates to assist those householders who contribute to the water authority rate but who do not possess the facilities of mains sewerage.

Mr. Tyler

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will exercise his powers under Section 31(3) of the Water Act 1973 to direct that no sewerage charge shall be imposed on any ratepayer who is not connected to a main drainage scheme.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will amend the Water Authorities (Collection of Charges) Order 1974 to exclude sewerage charges on rateable hereditaments which are not provided with main sewer connections.

Mr. Denis Howell

No. It is intended as soon as possible that liability for charges for sewerage should be limited to people provided with that service; but hitherto all ratepayers have shared the cost through the general rates and the order has the broad effect of continuing that sharing temporarily until water authorities, in collaboration with local authorities, can identify properties without main drainage and can make arrangements for limiting their charges accordingly. I regret that no change and no retrospective adjustment will be practicable for this year.

Mr. Tyler

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will exercise his powers under Section 5(2) and (3) of the Water Act 1973 to direct that the South West Water Authority should consult all local authorities within its area before imposing any water or sewerage charges on them.

Mr. Denis Howell

No. The majority of the members of each water authority are appointed by local authorities. During the present transitional period, local authorities are merely collecting charges for water authorities, as authorised by the Water Act 1973.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will propose altering the system whereby sewerage rates are not subject to rate rebate provisions.

Mr. Denis Howell

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave in answer to his Question on 29th April.—[Vol. 872, c. 352.]