§ Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) on what date he received the working party report on water and sewerage law;
(2) which association or bodies were represented on the working party on water and sewerage law;
(3) when he expects to make a statement on his policy towards the conclusion of the working party report on water and sewerage law.
§ Mr. John PattenThe working party comprised officials from my Department, members of the water industry nominated by the Water Authorities Association and the Water Companies Association, and one outside member with local authority experience. I received a report on their findings on 19 December. As mentioned in338W the White Paper "Privatisation of the Water Authorities in England and Wales" (Cmnd. 9734), a consultation paper on the Government's proposals for reform of the law will be published shortly.