§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied that the present relationship between the regional water authorities and the various water companies is conducive to economical and efficient provision of the various services provided; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis Howell:Under Section 12 of the Water Act 1973 each water authority is obliged to enter into arrangements with each statutory water company in its area whereby the duty of the authority to supply water is discharged through the company within the latter's limits of supply. The form of these arrangements is designed to secure the effective discharge of this duty.