§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take 500W steps to ensure that ratepayers who cannot afford their own washing machines and who must therefore use launderettes will not have to pay a charge for effluent from the launderettes in addition to that portion of their rates attributable to sewerage charges.
§ Mr. MarksNo. Water authorities are required by the Water Act 1973 to relate charges to the cost of providing the services concerned and to work towards eliminating discrimination in favour of any class of persons. Exemption of launderettes from trade effluent charges levied in accordance with these principles would not therefore be justified. The National Water Council is arranging discussions on the general question of trade effluent charges with the launderette industry.