§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether 254W any impending constraint on spending by water authorities will in any way affect the pace of the North-West water authority's progress in remedying underground dereliction in Manchester; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KingThe public spending cuts for the current year announced yesterday will certainly impose constraints upon the capital programme of the water authorities. However, the detailed management of the reductions is for each authority to decide in accordance with its regional policies and priorities, and I am unable to comment on the effect on particular aspects of the North-West water authority's programme.