§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will indicate when he plans to privatise the water and sewerage functions of the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland.
§ Sir Patrick MayhewThe citizens charter for Northern Ireland made clear the Government's intention to privatise the Department of the Environment's water and sewerage functions. Hitherto, it had been intended that these functions would be transferred to a Government-owned company before privatisation. However, having reviewed progress, I have concluded that we should in fact proceed directly to privatisation, as soon as practicable in 1995–96. This will build on the preparatory work which has already been done and will allow customers and taxpayers to obtain at the earliest date the benefits that privatisation will bring.