Welsh Water Authority

HC Deb 27 July 1981 vol 9 cc296-7W

Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he has any proposals for improving the efficiency of the Welsh Water Authority.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

I am today issuing a consultation paper proposing a reduction in the membership of the Welsh Water Authority. This reduction would be achieved mainly by providing that the local authorities would no longer nominate members to the WWA. New arrangements would have to be made to ensure a proper relationship with consumers and local authorities.

I should like to pay tribute to the work done by the WWA, and in particular by the authority's chairman, Mr. Haydn Rees, and his predecessor, the late Lord Brecon. But I believe that a smaller authority would be more suitable for the running of this major industrial enterprise.

A copy of my consultation paper is being placed in the Library.