§ Mr. Douglas Hoggasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will, after communication with the National Water Council, exercise his power under section 30(b) of the Water Resources Act 1973 to issue a directive to the Anglian water authority requiring it to levy on any individual customer only such charge as reflects that customer's actual or probable use and consumption of water services and water instead of a charge that reflects the rateable value of the premises occupied by the customers.
§ Mr. FoxOn the assumption that the hon. Member is referring to section 30(6) of the Water Act 1973, it would be inappropriate for my right hon. Friend to use his powers in this way. The water 699W industry is currently considering the question of future charging methods, and we hope to discuss this with its representatives soon how far anomalies in the present system can be alleviated.