§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has consulted the Scotch whisky industry on the economic impact on it of the proposed restructuring and possible future privatisation of water and sewerage services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector MonroMy right hon. Friend has no proposals for privatisation of water and sewerage services in Scotland. We have corresponded with distilling industry interests about the reorganisation of water and sewerage. This industry has also been represented at meetings with Scottish Office officials. The views of the industry have been noted and exchanges will continue to take place in the usual way.