§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of the problems suffered in the north-west region because of the severity of the dereliction of its underground sewers and water mains, whether his Department is prepared to make additional financial resources available to the North-West water authority in order that it might increase its efforts in its renewals and replacements programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated total amount of capital expenditure necessary to renovate, renew or replace sewerage and water mains, in a 10 year programme, in the area of the North-West Water Authority; how this figure compares with other water authorities; and if he will consider special and extra grants to the North-West to meet this programme.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe Third Report of the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries on the Regional Water Authorities drew attention to the potentially serious problem of deteriorating buried assets, but took the view that it was too soon to arrive at the likely cost that might eventually have to be incurred in the renewal and replacement of sewers and water mains. I am certain this is right.
The North-West Water Authority has been most active in investigating the extent of this problem in its area, but is as yet unable to quantify in any real sense the financial implications.
I have asked it to let me have more definite information on its likely capital 896W commitment and its effect on charges to consumers as soon as it is available; and my Department is keeping in close touch with its investigations generally.
In the circumstances, it would be premature for me to make any commitment to grant aid.