§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will investigate the number of new posts created by the regional water authorities and the salary structure of these posts.
§ Mr. RipponAs the hon. Member is aware, my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and Development has undertaken to consider the best way of assembling information about the management structure of water authorities. Account will be taken of the differences between the reorganisation of local government and of the water services. My Department has already pressed on the water authorities the need for economy in staffing. On salaries the National Water Council has conducted a review on behalf of the water authorities to ensure consistency. The salaries themselves are subject to the pay code and to the scrutiny of the Pay Board.