§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in his consultations concerning the structure and organisation of the proposed regional water authorities, he will take into account the particular natural features, development, and nature of the existing public bodies in each of the regions concerned.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThese were among the main considerations that led to our proposals and I shall continue to take them into account.
§ Mr. Arthur Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will 517W seek to ensure that the new regional water authorities have both a statutory duty to consult, and a statutory right to be consulted by county and district planning authorities over the location and timing of new developments, and the implications they involve for both.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerIt is intended that the arrangements applying to the bodies at present responsible for water services by and large should continue.