HC Deb 13 May 1996 vol 277 c632
28. Mr. Fabricant

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what initiatives he is taking with the privatised water companies to provide expertise and material for the distribution of drinking water in developing countries. [27693]

Mr. Hanley

Four of the major privatised water companies are currently involved in projects funded under the British aid programme, which relate to the supply and distribution of drinking water in developing countries. We will continue to encourage the water companies to bid for new water-related projects in developing countries.

Mr. Fabricant

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, since privatisation, Severn Trent, which of course supplies water to constituents in Mid-Staffordshire, gives £55,000 a year to Water Aid in developing countries; that, last year, about £300,000 was collected from staff of Severn Trent for Water Aid in developing countries; and that, this year, Severn Trent adopted Ethiopia for exploration for and distribution of fresh water? What more can my right hon. Friend do to ensure that other water companies follow that lead?

Mr. Hanley

I am aware of Severn Trent's excellent record, which my hon. Friend is right to bring to the attention of the House. He asks what more can be done.

During the launch of a recent water initiative called Water for Life, my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development encouraged the United Kingdom private sector, including the water companies and other non-governmental organisations, to take an active role in the development of the water sector in developing countries.

I am pleased that, in addition to the support provided under Britain's bilateral aid programme, the privatised water companies are encouraged to pursue those activities in the water sector in developing countries, funded by the multilateral agencies to which the UK contributes.

I should also mention the overseas projects board water group, which is convened by the Department of Trade and Industry and chaired by my right hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater (Mr. King). It provides a forum for the exchange of information with the major water boards about current activities and opportunities in the water sector in developing countries.