HC Deb 13 June 1996 vol 279 cc284-5W
Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the policies adopted by each of the new Scottish water boards on regular emptying of septic tanks serving dwelling houses, and the charges to be levied for the service. [31615]

Mr. Kynoch

The water authorities in Scotland are required to provide on request a septic tank emptying service for dwelling houses where it is reasonably practicable to do so, and where all proper charges for doing so are timeously paid. For 1996–97, each of the authorities has set a charge of £25 for the first emptying of a septic tank; any subsequent emptyings requested in 1996–97 may be charged at a higher rate or actual cost.