§ Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the present system employed by the Welsh water authority for consumer rating; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe Government and the water industry have for some time been dissatisfied with the rateable value based system of charging for water services. Water authorities and the National Water Council are continuing to seek an alternative system that combines fairness and low cost.
In the meantime, the Welsh water authority is, with effect from next April, offering all its customers the option of a metered supply.
§ Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Wales if, in the light of the proposals of the Welsh water authority to construct a new headquarters building, he proposes to issue further advice to water authorities on proposals for capital expenditure.
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§ Mr. Wyn RobertsNo. I understand that the Welsh water authority has no immediate plans to construct a new headquarters building although it will ultimately be necessary to replace the present prefabricated building with a permanent one.