§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has taken any steps to prevent water authorities from acquiring stocks in statutory water companies in anticipation of the privatisation of the industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Moynihan[holding answer 23 May 1988]: It is in the first instance for the water authorities to decide in the light of the facts and circumstances of each case whether they have the legal powers and the resources to acquire water company shares.