HC Deb 23 November 1978 vol 958 cc717-8W
Mr. Cyril Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what experience of the water industry the newly-appointed chairman of the North-West water authority has.

Mr. Denis Howell

Mr. George Mann's strong experience in North-Western local government and his time as chairman of the SELNEC passenger transport auth- ority, a public sector organisation, are very relevant for a chairman of a water authority.

Mr. Cyril Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the considerations in appointing a new chairman of the North-West water authority rather than re-appointing the present chairman of that authority.

Mr. Denis Howell

At the end of the first five years of water industry reorganisation it was desirable to make some changes among the chairmen of regional water authorities who, in addition to their primary responsibilities in the regions, also sit on the National Water Council. Having carefully considered the position of all eight chairmen who were due to retire, it was decided that Mr. Liddell should be one of four who were not offered reappointment.