§ Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek powers to give himself control over the level of water rates levied by water authorities.
§ Mr. John Silkin:The Water Act 1973 established the water authorities as self-supporting financial entities. I have no plans to overturn those arrangements by seeking additional powers.
§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the decision of a number of regional water authorities to equalise their charges in the next financial year, he will instruct such bodies to implement his policy to phase this process over a seven-year period.
§ Mr. Denis Howell:The Water Act 1973 allows water authorities considerable autonomy in fixing their charges. My right hon. Friend has, however, urged authorities to adopt a cautious approach to equalisation. We hope that they will heed this advice.