§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had recently with local authorities regarding the transfer to the private sector of services currently performed by the authorities themselves.
§ Mr. KingThere have been no recent formal discussions with local authorities on this matter but we have repeatedly urged them publicly to give consideration to involving the private sector where there are cost or other benefits. We are currently considering how we might more positively encourage and assist them.