§ Mr. Wardasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now announce his proposals for giving relief from sewerage charges to the occupiers of properties not connected to public sewers.
§ Mr. Denis HowellYes. As I told the House on 5th November, my right hon. Friend sought the advice of the National Water Council on this matter, and we are grateful to the council for its assistance. My right hon. Friend and the Secretary of State for Wales have now decided to give relief to domestic properties amounting to 50 per cent. of the general service charge. In their view, this strikes a reasonable balance, and takes account of the fact that the general service charge covers other services besides sewerage, such as pollution control for the protection of rivers and surface water drainage from which everyone benefits. The relief will take effect from the beginning of the next financial year. Officials will now consult urgently with the water authorities and the local authority associations to put the necessary arrangements in hand.