§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment in the light of the proposal in the consultative document on the review of the water industry that the water companies should be integrated into the water authorities, what action he proposes to safeguard the positions of staff employed by the companies.
§ Mr. Denis HowellAs the consultation document makes clear, the method and timing of securing public ownership of the water companies requires detailed study, and we shall welcome discussion of the issues involved during the consultation period. But I can say at once that I regard it as extremely important that the arrangements include proper safeguards for the staff concerned, and this is something to which I shall be paying particular attention.