17. To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations his Department has received on water drainage charges for places of worship; and if he will make a statement. (247644)

The Secretary of State has received a range of representations from various groups regarding surface water drainage charges. The Government are, however, very aware of the problem of affordability faced by some customers as a result of the switch to site area charging for surface water drainage and are looking at what can be done.