HL Deb 18 March 1986 vol 472 cc859-60
Baroness Nicol

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they have obtained on the implications for environmental protection of the proposed privatisation of the water industry.

The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Elton)

My Lords, we have received comments on last year's discussion paper which was circulated to a wide range of environmental interests. We shall shortly publish a consultation paper containing our detailed proposals for environmental protection and will consider the responses to it with care.

Baroness Nicol

My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for that reply, and am glad to hear that there has been limited consultation. Does the noble Lord not think that in view of the importance of this particular issue it would have been more appropriate to have a Green Paper on the subject? Is he aware that in the first paragraph of Professor Littlechild's report he draws attention to the fact that he specifically does not cover the matter? Does that not in itself mean that perhaps more importance should be given to it than the Government are giving?

Finally, will the noble Lord please clear up for me one point? Where the supervisory role which is mentioned in the White Paper between the Government and the water services PLCs which are to be formed covers conservation of wildlife, if the catchment land is sold does the responsibility transfer with it?

Lord Elton

My Lords, I must try to reply briefly to the number of questions that the noble Baroness has asked me. I re-emphasise the importance which the Government attach to environmental issues. I advise the noble Baroness to await the publication of our consultation paper, when she will see what is proposed and will note the care with which we consult. I can assure her that no responsibilities will be lost in any process of which I am aware towards the environment as a result of privatisation.

Lord Elliott of Morpeth

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether, in his further consideration of the water industry, he will take into due account that the statutory water companies have tried always to put the consumer first; that they have returned excess profits in the way of reduced water charges; and that the environmental concern in the area of their operations has always been given the highest priority?

Lord Elton

My Lords, we are well aware of the work which has been commendably done by the outgoing authorities, and we shall strive to recognise this by seeing that it is preserved.

Baroness White

My Lords, is the noble Lord able to tell us when we are going to receive this document which is so eagerly awaited? Is he aware that there are at least four likely options for environmental control, including the possible establishment of Her Majesty's Environmental Inspectorate which is recommended by the planning committee of the Department of the Environment, and that there is no consensus as yet of informed opinion? The matter is really urgent if there is going to be adequate consideration before the Government start drafting their proposed legislation.

Lord Elton

My Lords, I can assure the noble Baroness that the consultation paper will be published very shortly—by which I mean in a matter of weeks. I would not wish to anticipate its contents.

Lord Taylor of Gryfe

My Lords, may I ask the Minister whether a similar procedure will be adopted in connection with advice that he may receive on consumer protection which will be affected by the privatisation of water?

Lord Elton

My Lords, I have said that we shall preserve all the safeguards that exist, but the Question on the Order Paper is directed specifically to environmental protection.

Lord Hunt

My Lords, I think the noble Lord said that all the existing safeguards will be preserved. Can the noble Lord, even at this early stage before the consultation paper appears, assure the House that public access and recreation on reservoirs and rivers in catchment areas owned by the regional water authorities will be safeguarded under the terms of sale to private ownership?

Lord Elton

My Lords, the answer is yes.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, in view of the considerable public concern and interest in this subject and in the Government's proposals on water generally, can the noble Lord give an assurance that the House will be given an opportunity to debate this fairly soon in Government time?

Lord Elton

My Lords, I believe that the noble Lord knows very well what the usual channels are because I believe he constitutes a part of them. Therefore, I would not presume to anticipate his part in that.

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