§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what modifications have been made to the Government's proposals announced on 2nd December, 1971, for drainage and sewerage functions to be assumed by regional water authorities; how these modifications were announced; and what further consultations or announcements can be expected.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsMy right hon. and learned Friend's predecessor proposed in a letter to the local authority associations on 15th August that the best way of giving local authorities local sewerage functions, taking into account the extensive consultations conducted up to that point, would be for them to retain a "controlled function" covering virtually all sewers. The text of this letter was published and copies sent to all the bodies 479W concerned with water reorganisation. Discussions are taking place between my officials and the local authority associations about the detailed rules of control.