§ Mr. John Townsendasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on progress in his monitoring of the work of the water authorities.
§ Mr. KingThe Government have set the regional water authorities tight external financing limits for 1981–82 and clear financial target for the three years 1981–82 to 1983–84. We are also in the process of agreeing with them performance aims for that three year period. We have impressed on them the need for close control of manpower numbers and intend to publish water authority figures quarterly along with those of the Department and other associated bodies. We are keeping up pressure on disposal of land, encouraging avoidance of waste and stimulating use of the private sector where practicable. We shall be receiving shortly the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the Severn-Trent water authority.