For section 41A of the 1980 Act (which makes provision as respects the supply of water by meter) there shall be substituted—

“41A Supply of water by meter.

The occupier of premises to which water is supplied shall have the option, provided that he has (if he is not himself the owner of the premises) the consent of the owner, of taking the supply by meter; but the exercise of that option shall be conditional upon—

(a)

the payment by the occupier of any reasonable charges made by the authority under section 35 of this Act; and

(b)

the acceptance by him of such reasonable terms and conditions as may be published by the water authority under section 55(1) of this Act,

and any question as to whether any such charges or terms and conditions are reasonable shall, in default of agreement, be referred to the Secretary of State who may determine it himself or, if he thinks fit, refer it to arbitration.”.