§ 8. Mr. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)When she last met representatives of the water companies to discuss the aid which they donate to developing nations. [89759]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Mr. George Foulkes)My right hon. Friend recently met the outgoing director of Water Aid, and earlier this year, on a visit to Nepal, saw some of Water Aid's projects. We greatly respect Water Aid's work, and the generosity of the water companies' staff and customers. We also recognise the importance of the increasing commercial activities of a number of United Kingdom water companies in developing countries. We are seeking to ensure that they recognise the fundamental right of the poor to affordable, safe and reliable water and sanitation services.
§ Mr. FabricantWhat a welcome change in tune. Only two years ago, the Secretary of State said to me:
I am not aware of any work done by private water companies in Africa."—[Official Report, 25 June 1997; Vol. 296, c. 835.]I am pleased that she is now meeting the water companies.396 Is the Minister aware that, in the past year alone, privatised water companies helped 600,000 people in Africa, and provided more than £2 million? Is he aware of the valuable work that they did in assisting womenfolk in Africa, who have the burden of work in having to take water one, two and sometimes three miles to their homes from insanitary water holes?
§ Mr. FoulkesThe hon. Gentleman should not get too excited. Of the £9 million spent annually by Water Aid, £1 million comes from the water companies, which spend less than 0.01 per cent. of their profits on Water Aid. They could do a great deal more.