§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if it is his policy that the new water companies should base their charges on the amount used;
(2) for how long the new water boards will be able to use rateable values as a basis for charging.
§ Sir Hector MonroIt will be for the new water and sewerage authorities to prepare charges schemes. These will need to be approved by the Customers Council or, failing that, by the Secretary of State before they come into effect.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what access to(a) the council tax banding of individuals, (b) income tax assessments and (c) DSS records the proposed new water boards will have in levying water charges.
§ Sir Hector MonroThere is provision in the Local Government, etc. (Scotland) Bill for my right hon. Friend to require local authorities to supply information held on the setting, levying or collection of council tax to the new water and sewerage authorities if he considers this will assist the latter either in making a charges scheme or collecting water and sewerage charges made under such a scheme. The new water and sewerage authorities will have no right of access to income tax assessments and DSS records.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how the proposed new water boards will be able to take into account ability to pay in levying charge.
§ Sir Hector MonroThis will be a matter for the new water and sewerage authorities to consider in preparing their charges schemes.