asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the cost of connection of private fire sprinklers, with particular reference to the increases of up to 2,000 per cent. in the North-West water authority area.

I am aware that in the North-West water authority area there is a particular problem which arises from tariff changes first introduced at their present level in April 1978. I am discussing this situation with the National Water Council, the water companies association and with the water authority concerned, and I hope to reach a conclusion soon.