§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the latest estimates of the costs for collecting the water rate separately from the general rate for the whole of the United Kingdom and for Wales, respectively.
§ Mr. Denis HowellFollowing a recent meeting on direct billing with representatives of the local authority associations and the National Water Council, I have asked the National Water Council to supply me with further information about the costs involved. These vary in different areas for both water authorities and local authorities. Water services in Scotland are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.