§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the average increase in water charges in the last five years.
§ Mr. Giles ShawFor the period 1976–77 to 1980–81 the average increase in the water services bill for domestic consumers in England and Wales served by a water authority has been:
Per cent. 1976–77 26.3 1977–78 3.9 1978–79 5.5 1979–80 10.5 1980–81 23.8 The water services bill consists of charges for water supply, sewerage and environmental services.
In Scotland the regional and islands councils are responsible for water services.