Water Companies

HC Deb 07 December 1998 vol 322 c45W

Mr. Ruane

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list(a) the total profits of privatised water companies since 1990 and (b) the total investment in environmental improvements over the same period. [61805]

Mr. Meacher

The information is as follows:

1. (a) The aggregate profits before tax of the water undertakers, both the privatised water and sewerage companies and the private sector water supply companies, over the years 1990–91 to 1997–98 were about £14 billion at 1997–98 prices.
2. (b) Total capital investment by the water undertakers in the same period was about £26 billion, of which about £7 billion was invested by the privatised water and sewerage companies in environmental improvements, both at 1997–98 prices.