§ Lord Grimondasked Her Majesty's Government:
What has been the percentage increase on water rates over the last five and 10 years.
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Elton)The average household water bill in England and Wales rose by 43.1 per cent. between 1981–2 and 1985–6 (13.7 per cent. in real terms) and 147.6 per cent. between 1976–7 and 1985–6 (7.5 per cent. in real terms). For the rest of the United Kingdom, I will ask the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland to write to the noble Lord.