HC Deb 10 January 1977 vol 923 cc390-1W
Dr. Phipps

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many owners of urban cesspits have had their charges removed from the general rate and are now receiving specific charges.

Mr. Denis Howell

The total number of cesspits in the country is not known; there are likely to be far fewer in urban than in rural areas. I do not have comprehensive information on the charging policies of local authorities for emptying cesspits but it appears that the majority now make specific charges.