Water and Sewerage Services (Hansard, 20 July 1993)

§ Mr. Tom Clarke
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what sum he has allocated within his budget for further consultation with interested bodies on his proposals for the water and sewerage services.

§ Mr. Lang
Costs will be met from the sum allocated for expenditure on water and sewerage restructuring, and given in my hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Fife, Central (Mr. McLeish) on 5 May,Official Report, columns 38–39.

§ Mr. Tom Clarke
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland with which interested bodies he proposes to consult before bringing forward detailed proposals for the water and sewerage services.

§ Mr. Lang
We propose to discuss technical and other aspects of the new structure with the current providers of the services. We also expect to consult representatives of consumers about the new customer organisation.

§ Mr. Tom Clarke
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to undertake further consultation on his proposals for the water and sewerage services; and when he expects to complete this further consultation.

§ Mr. Lang
Discussions will be initiated and completed as soon as possible.

§ Mr. Tom Clarke
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will specify the basis on which he intends the private sector to play a major role in financing the capital investment programme of the water and sewerage services over the next 10 years.

§ Mr. Lang
Water and sewerage authorities will be expected to encourage private sector investment as part of176W the initiative to introduce private finance into public services. General guidance on the objectives of this initiative has already been issued; further guidance will be issued as appropriate.