Water and Sewerage Charges

HC Deb 10 February 1997 vol 290 cc29-30W

Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to achieve full equalisation of water and sewerage rate charges across the north of Scotland area. [15206]

Mr. Kynoch

The annual charges for water and sewerage services are a matter for the North of Scotland Water Authority, subject to approval from the Scottish Water and Sewerage Customers Council. I understand that

Remuneration and reimbursement payment to dispensing doctor 1990–91 to 1995–96
	1990–91	1991–92	1992–93	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96
Number of prescriptions (000s)	1,570	1,662	1,731	1,828	1,891	1,882
£000
Value of ingredients before discount	8,579	9,904	11,131	12,383	13,463	13,992
Value of ingredients after discount	8,221	9,457	10,701	11,872	12,880	13,421
On cost allowances	892	1,029	1,169	1,300	1,414	1,469
Dispensing fees	1,386	1,471	1,536	1,613	1,723	1,711
Container allowances	60	63	66	69	72	72
Reimbursement of value added tax	1,242	1,666	1,884	2,090	2,267	2,361
Total value of payment	11,799	13,686	15,356	16,945	18,355	19,034

Source

Prescription Pricing Division, Common Services Agency.

progress with harmonisation of charges to domestic customers has been made in 1996–97 and that the authority expects to make further progress over the next few years.