The Water Board wanted to increase rates by 30%

The Water Board withdrew its policy letter calling for the rise altogether.

It wanted to introduce the increase next year.

But after strong resistance in the States, the Board modified its policy letter to spread the increase over the next three years.

As a result of that decision, Deputy Rhoderick Matthews withdrew his amendment which would have limited the increase to 5%.

Considerable confusion

There was considerable confusion over exactly what was meant by the wording of the Board's amendment, but members accepted it by 35 votes to 12.

However, after advice from the president of the Advisory and Finance Committee, Deputy Laurie Morgan, Water Board president Deputy Mike Burbridge withdrew the whole policy letter.

The Water Board will now have to bring a new policy letter to the States.

In other business, the States voted to give a facelift to Raymond Falla House, costing half a million pounds.

They also passed plans for a �1.25m scheme to provide a digital X-ray service at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.