§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what will be the likely impact on water charges for each of the years 1994–95 to 1997–98 of the outcome of discussions on the implementation of the urban waste water treatment and bathing waters directives.
§ Mr. Yeo[holding answer 16 December 1993]: We welcome the decision of the European Council that a large proportion of Community legislation on water should be recast to make it consistent with the principle of subsidiarity. The Commission must now bring forward proposals for new and revised directives for consideration by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. They would not become law until agreed by the Council of Ministers. It is too early to assess the impact of any changes on water charges, but arrangements which allow more flexibility to member states should reduce costs.