§ 28. Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement concerning the progress of his consultations on the reorganisation of water services.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Keith Speed)Consultations are under way over a wide range of matters in connection with reorganisation. Many useful comments have been received and full weight is being attached to them in the preparation of legislation.
§ Mr. SpearingI thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Does he not recall, however, that the consultation is about the proposals contained in an appendix to a circular but that since then the Secretary of State has told me in a Written Answer that he does not intend to issue a White Paper? Does not the hon. Gentleman feel that, after the extensive consultations which he has said are taking place and on which the Government place great reliance, it would be most appropriate for them to publish a White Paper on their intentions before the technicalities of the Bill are published?
§ Mr. SpeedNo, I do not think so. Further consultation papers are to be published shortly and we think that these will take care of the problem.