HC Deb 02 December 1987 vol 123 c623W
41. Mr. O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to how charges for water services will be applied after the abolition of domestic taxes to those properties where meters have not been installed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moynihan

Water undertakers will decide themselves what basis of charges they will adopt. These will have to comply with the principles of section 30 of the Water Act 1973 that charges must have regard to costs and not show any undue preference to or discrimination against any class of persons. I understand that the water industry is currently studying a number of options for charging for water services once domestic rateable values are abolished and I expect to receive their conclusions shortly.