HC Deb 16 March 1977 vol 928 cc198-9W
52. Mr. Terry Walker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will consider legislation to give rebates on domestic water rates.

Mr. Denis Howell

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 9th December to my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham, West (Mr. Price).—[Vol. 922, c.301–2.]

Sir John Hall

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the proposal of water authorities to undertake the direct billing for water and sewerage charges; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Denis Howell

I have received representations from the local authority associations and a number of individual local authorities. Following similar representations last year I advised water authorities to pay close attention, when contemplating the extension of direct billing, to the need to avoid an increase in the combined expenditure of water authorities and rating authorities. Nothing has happened since then to make me change that advice, and I have reminded the water authorities accordingly.