§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what response his Department has made to the May 1992 report by County NatWest on privatisation of water services in Scotland; if he will list the dates of all meetings160W between representatives of his Department and representatives of County NatWest within the last six months, stating for each what subject was discussed and at what level his Department was represented; if he will list the dates of all meetings between representatives of his Department and representatives of County NatWest planned to take place within the next six months, stating for each what subject will be discussed and at what level his Department will be represented; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 29 October 1992]: A meeting was held between a representative of County NatWest, at his request, and senior officials of the Scottish Office on 3 June this year to discuss matters arising out of the report in question. No other response was made to the report and no further meetings are planned at present.
§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the dates of all meetings between representatives of his Department and representatives of(a) the Office of Water Services, (b) the National Risers Authority, (c) the drinking water inspectorate, (d) the Water Services Association and (e) the Water Companies Association within the past six months and planned for the next six months, stating for each what subject was discussed and at what level his Department was represented; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 29 October 1992]: There have been no departmental meetings with representatives of the Office of Water Services, the Water Services Association or the Water Companies Association within the past six months nor are there any meetings planned at present with these organisations. Meetings with officials from the National Rivers Authority take place frequently in the course of normal business and will continue to do so. It is not practicable to list dates and locations of all such contacts.
On 18 May 1992 senior officials from the Scottish Office met representatives of the drinking water inspectorate to discuss matters within the inspectorate's competence. No further meetings are planned at present.