§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current charge made by the North-West water authority for the installation of fire equipment water sprinkler systems; and how these compare with other water authorities.
§ Mr. FoxIn the current financial year 1979–80, the North-West and Northumbrian water authorities levy annual charges for the availability of supply to sprinkler systems as follows
North West: From £5.50 to £1,793 according to size of connection, however these charges will be reduced from 1st April 1980.Northumbrian: Different charges in three Divisions:Wear: £12 per installation.Tees: From £6 to £30 according to size of connection.Northumberland-Tyne: £10 per inch diameter of connection.The Anglian and Thames water authorities make annual charges, but these cover the costs of periodic inspection and similar activities and are not comparable with the charges made by the North West and Northumbrian authorities. They are, respectively, £3.50 per annum per 100 sprinkler heads and £2.18 per annum per 100 sq. ft. of protected floor area.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further reduction in the charges for fire equipment water sprinkler systems are being considered by the North-West water authority; and if he will make a statement.
591W
§ Mr. FoxI refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Northwich (Mr. Good-lad) on 18 March.—[Vol. 981, c. 161–62.]