§ Ms. RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table showing average water rates in Northern Ireland in each year since 1979 in cash and constant prices.
§ Mr. MatesThe provision of water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland is a function of central government and expenditure on these services is an element of the regional rate struck by the Department of Finance and Personnel. The regional rate is an unhypothecated tax and there is, therefore, no separate water rate for the years in question. However, since 1991–92 arrangements have been made to appropriate in aid of the water service vote the relevant share of regional rate income. This change has been made to facilitate transition to commercial accounting procedures. In 1991–92, the share of the regional rate appropriated in aid of the water service was £107 million equivalent to a poundage of 64.38 pence in the pound while for 1992–93 the figures are £114 million and 65.63 pence in the pound.