§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales what meetings Ministers of his Department have had with the new chairman of the Welsh water authority since he came to office; whether any changes of policy will occur arising from these meetings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsNone, but I hope to meet him shortly to discuss the approach of the new authority to its current problems.
§ Mr. Colemanasked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the cost involved in engaging outside consultants to advertise the appointment of a chairman for the Welsh water authority; and whether the services of the eventual appointee were obtained through their services.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsIn accordance with normal convention I regard details of the cost involved in engaging Tyzack and Partners to handle arrangements for this appointment as commercially confidential. The candidate eventually appointed was among those who responded to Tyzack's advertisement and whose applications were dealt with by the firm.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the matter of the level of payments to the Welsh water authority for bulk transfers of water to water authorities in England to be resolved; and what is the reason for the delay.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe new Welsh water authority asked for an opportunity to make further representations and has been allowed until 8 July to do so. The other water authorities will then be allowed one month in which to respond. Thereafter the decision will be reached as soon as possible.