asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs by how much the water rate in the area of the West Dorset Water Board exceeds or is less than the average.

My right hon. Friend regrets that it is not possible to relate the water rate in the West Dorset Water Board's area to a national average; an average could not be calculated from the information which he receives.

Is not my hon. Friend aware that it is rather high, making all allowances for very special problems in that area, and, that there is a certain amount of local disquiet about it?

Yes, I appreciate that the charges in the West Dorset Water Board's area are high, but, as my hon. Friend knows, this is largely due to the very high capital investment which has been necessary. My hon. Friend will also be aware that my right hon. Friend has recently made an Order for the extension of the area and for the inclusion of a number of other water undertaking authorities which, in the long run, will have the effect of cheapening the water supply in the whole of the area.