HC Deb 17 March 1982 vol 20 cc133-4W
21. Mr. Farr

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent regional water authorities have indicated to him their intention to comply with section 48 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 by means of private legislation.

Mr. Macfarlane

Section 22 of the Water Act 1973 as amended by Section 48 of the Wildlife and Countryside

single pensioner and 68p a week for a married couple, which represented a gain in that year of £21.84 and £35.36 respectively.

Mr. Marks

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the retirement pension for a single person and a couple for the years 1979 to 1983 and the comparable figures for such a pension had it accurately reflected price rises.

Mr. Rossi

The information requested relating to the period November 1979 to November 1982 is set out in the following table. Pension levels for November 1983 will not be set until next year.

Act 1981 places a positive duty on water authorities and internal drainage boards to further conservation in the exercise of their functions. I see no reason why private legislation should duplicate this provision. The consistency of private legislation with section 22 is a matter for this House.