HC Deb 18 October 1989 vol 158 c141
17. Mr. Dunnachie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for increasing the level of funding to local authorities to met the European Economic Community requirements in relation to drinking water.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Resources have been increased already. The 1989–90 capital allocation for water and sewerage services is £126 million, a 14 per cent. increase over the previous year's planned provision. Regional and islands authorities have been asked to provide details of costed action programmes to achieve full compliance with the EC drinking water directive. These will be taken into account when setting next year's allocations.

Mr. Dunnachie

In view of the promises made to the English water authorities that the standards of water in England will be raised to a standard acceptable to the EEC and that that will be funded by the Government, will the Minister give the same guarantees to Scotland, and if not, why not?

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Yes, indeed. Capital restructuring in England is necessary before privatisation. As the hon. Gentleman knows, arrangements in Scotland are different. The implications for Scottish consumers of the debt write-off and the cash injection for the new companies in England and Wales are now being considered.

Mr. Foulkes

Is the Minister aware that Mr. Greir, the director of sewerage for Strathclyde, has said that he is prepared to do everything necessary to clean up the Ayrshire beaches if the Government, and the Minister in particular, come up with the money? Will the Minister give an assurance that more money will be available? Incidentally, can he tell us how he and his colleagues have managed to get through the whole of this Question Time without the advice of their special adviser on Scotland, the hon. Member for Southend, East (Mr. Taylor)?

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Southend, East (Mr. Taylor), with whom I share a secretary, for his constant advice. The hon. Gentleman's point will be seriously considered when the public expenditure survey is looked at this autumn.