§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the present rôle of the Directorate of Engineering;
(2) why the Isle of Wight is included in Area 1 of the Directorate of Engineering, together with counties such as Northumberland.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe arrangements referred to in the hon. Member's second Question were in force between February 1970 and February 1971. Some water has flowed under the bridge since then. The directorate's duties are now related to the new structure of the water industry introduced under the Water Act 1973. Briefly, these duties are to maintain liaison with the water authorities and to advise on all technical aspects of water authorities' functions, for which my right hon. Friend is responsible.