§ Mr. O'Brienasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what alterations he is considering to the system of water rates for charging for services provided by water authorities to domestic consumers.
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§ Mr. MacfarlaneNo changes in section 30 of the Water Act are under consideration. This section gives to water authorities the power to fix such charges as they see fit subject to its provisions. All authorities make available the option of a meter to domestic consumers as an alternative to charges based wholly or partly on rateable value. A joint study of the possible extension of domestic metering is in progress. In responding to the study's findings the Government will also take account of any relevant proposals emerging from the review of local government finance.