§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what statutory provisions prevent an English water authority conducting its own wage negotiations in respect of its employees.
§ Mr. ShoreThe conduct of pay negotiations in the water industry in England and Wales is governed by agreements made under the auspices of the National Water Council in accordance with the provisions of section 26(2) of the Water Act 1973. Section 26(3) imposes a duty on water authorities to comply with these agreements.