§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many prosecutions there have been in each of the last three years for the illegal use of hose-pipes by private householders and with what result; and what is the latest estimate of the number of ratepayers using hoses without the necessary permission, and the estimated loss of revenue.
§ Mr. Denis HowellI am informed by the water authorities that there was one successful prosecution this year for the illegal use of a hose-pipe by a private householder but there have been no other prosecutions since the authorities were established in 1974. Several prosecutions are pending.
No reliable information is available about the number of ratepayers using hose-pipes without permission, or the associated loss of revenue.