§ 45. Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received concerning the working of the water infrastructure charge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryMy right hon. Friend has received numerous representations about the new system of water and sewerage infrastructure charges. The detailed application of the charges is for individual water and sewerage companies, within the terms of their instruments of appointment. The Government believe that the new system provides a much fairer way of funding the provision of infrastructure capacity for new developments then the previous system whereby new customers were subsidised by existing ones.