§ Sir Peter Emeryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, when he next meets chairmen of the south west water authorities, he will raise with them the accuracy of information being disseminated by water authorities concerning the possible effects of privatisation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneThe South West water authority's views on privatisation are contained in its response to my Department's discussion paper. This has been placed in the Library of the House, together with memoranda received from other water authorities, the Water Authorities Association, and the Water Companies Association. South West raises a number of points which will need to be considered, if privatisation goes ahead, but, like the Water Authorities Association, makes no recommendation for or against privatisation. The Government are considering the responses they have received in the context of their own examination of the prospects for privatisation in the water industry. If our study of the issues brings to light any points that need to be taken up further with the water authorities, we shall certainly pursue them.