§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many responses were received by his Department in response to the consultation document on local authority billing and collection of unmeasured domestic water and sewerage charges on behalf of the new water and sewerage authorities; [16088]
(2) when he sent to consultees draft regulations under section 79 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 relating to the local authority billing and collection of unmeasured domestic water and sewerage charges; and if he will make a statement. [16089]
§ Mr. Kynoch[holding answer 20 February 1996]: The department received 44 responses to the consultation paper which set out the Government's proposals on the new billing and collection arrangements. Consultees were sent the draft order mirroring these proposals on 15 December 1995. Responses to the consultation exercise have been considered and the Water Services Charges (Billing and Collection) (Scotland) Order 1996 was laid before the House on 19 February 1996.