Water Rates

Mr. Squire
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether a code of practice on the treatment of arrears of water rates has been adopted by any of the water authorities in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Macfarlane
I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend that a code of practice for domestic customers was adopted by all the water authorities in England and Wales in 1983.A leaflet, issued by the water industry, entitled "Water Services Bills—How to get help if you can't pay your Bill" is available from all the water authorities, and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.