§ 38. Dr. Edmund Marshallasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will take steps to provide for the direct election of members of water authorities.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe consultation document on the review of the water industry makes clear that radical changes of this order could be considered only in the context of wider regional arrangements in England.
§ Mr. Madelasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance his Department is giving to local authorities and water authorities concerning the charges that they now make for sewerage collection and treatment following the House of Lords decision in the Daymond case; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe Water Charges Act makes clear that only connected properties are liable to pay the charge166W for sewerage and sewage disposal levied by the Regional Water Authorities. It is for each water authority to decide what levels of charges are necessary to meet its statutory obligation to break even. Cesspool emptying is the function of local authorities, which are entitled to make such charges for the service as they think fit. The question of responsibility for sewage disposal is raised for discussion in the consultative document on the review of the water industry.