§ 25. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the difficulties of people on low incomes paying their water service charges; and what evidence he has from the water authorities about increased difficulties in collecting such charges.
§ Mr. Denis Howell:I have received a number of representations on this, but I understand that the arrangements made by the water authorities to deal with cases of genuine hardship are proving very helpful.
However, I have asked the National Water Council to investigate a more widespread and formal instalment system.