§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the facilities for studying wildlife which have been provided at Top Hill Low reservoir in north Yorkshire will be maintained should privatisation take place; why a permit charge has recently been levied; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardI understand that Yorkshire water authority has no plans to reduce the facilities at Tophill reservoir now or after privatisation. Facilities at the reservoir are controlled by the Tophill wildlife group which, since 1 January 1988, has paid a nominal annual permit fee of £25 to the authority for the facilities. I understand that the group levies a charge on members to cover the permit fee and to give them a working income.