§ Mr. MadelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the chairmen of the private water companies whom he has called in to see him as a result of them announcing increases in water charges of more than 10 per cent. for the year 1989–90; what response they gave to him; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardI asked the chairmen of any company which was proposing an increase of more than 10 per cent. to come and see me. As of today I have seen 18 chairmen. One company has so far indicated to me that it proposes an increase of under 10 per cent. Discussions with a number of other companies are continuing.