§ 38. Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further 296W documents concerning reorganisation of water services he expects to publish before publication of a Bill on this subject; and which of these documents will contain conclusions consequent upon comments received by him in respect of his series of consultation papers.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsConsultation papers will be published shortly on the National Water Council, on the Water Services Staff Commission, on the amenity use of water space and the future of the British Waterways Board, and on Exchequer grants for water services. We also intend to publish our conclusions on the division of responsibility for sewerage between regional water authorities and local authorities. All these documents will reflect the consultations which have already been held.
51. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to publish the further consultative papers on the reorganisation of water and sewerage services.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsConsultation papers will be published shortly on the National Water Council, on the Water Services Staff Commission, on the amenity use of water space and the future of the British Waterways Board and on Exchequer grants for water services. We also intend to publish our conclusions on the division of responsibility for sewerage between regional water authorities and local authorities. All these documents will reflect the consultations which have already been held. Further documents dealing with particular aspects of reorganisation will be published in advance of the Bill where this seems desirable.
§ 63. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations he has received on the subject of the reorganisation of water and sewerage services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI met representatives of the local authority associations last week to discuss their joint memorandum on the Government's proposals. I emphasised that it is my intention to introduce legislation which will ensure the comprehensive management of river 297W basins. I undertook to send the associatons a considered reply to the points made in their memorandum and at the meeting.
84. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from local authorities in South and West Hampshire concerning his request to set up working parties of officers and steering committees of elected representatives to plan the reorganisation of sewerage and sewage disposal in the area.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsThe three groups including local authorities in South and West Hampshire have set up these bodies, but the steering committee for the Test/Itchen catchment area has deferred any further meetings for the time being.