§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied that the water authorities are taking sufficient steps to produce a new and fair system of levying charges after the disappearance of rateable values; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanWater authorities are actively considering alternatives to replace the present rateable value basis of water charges. Whatever new methods of charging they decide to introduce will have to comply with610W the statutory requirements, in section 30 of the Water Act 1973, that in fixing their charges water undertakers must have regard to cost, and must not show undue preference to or undue discrimination against any class of persons.