Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Julie Kirkbride (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 18 June 2009 on behalf of the Church Commissioners.

Surface Water Drainage Charges

Question: May I, too, urge the hon. Gentleman to make strenuous representations on this matter with both Ofwat and Ministers? As he has just said, the issue involves not only the churches but other voluntary bodies such as scouting organisations. Such bodies are very important to our national life, are not big businesses and cannot afford the charges. If the charges go ahead and they are not able to operate, that will diminish our national life.

Answer: I am grateful to the hon. Lady. She will be happy to know that at yesterday's annual general meeting of the Church Commissioners, I raised that specific point. I said that it was encouraging that the Church, through the Synod and the Archbishops Council, was working with scouting and other organisations. The Archbishops Council has led the way in this matter on behalf of the Church, along with the Church Commissioners, but the House has to give, as I think it has done, a strong message to Ofwat in addition to all the other representations that have been made.

Secondary information