§ 20. Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to meet the chairmen of the new water authorities to discuss their investment plans.
§ Mr. KynochI refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer my right hon. Friend gave earlier to the hon. Member for Angus, East (Mr. Welsh).
§ Mr. SalmondAs we are about to have a discussion founded on the principle of democratic consent, can the Minister point to what area of democratic consent in Scotland justifies the removal of Scottish water from local democratic control?
§ Mr. KynochThe hon. Gentleman should realise that in Scotland over the next 10 to 15 years we have to find some £5 billion of capital expenditure to improve services. My right hon. Friend has set up structures with the intention of ensuring that we get the best value for money. We believe in ensuring that we get the best possible services at the lowest possible cost—something that the hon. Gentleman will never understand.