§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any savings have been achieved or recommended as a result of the inquiry by independent auditors into the finances of the Northumbrian water authority which he instituted.
§ Mr. Giles ShawYes. The Northumbrian water authority's preliminary budget proposals for 1982–83 were reviewed by independent consultants commissioned by the Department. The authority agreed with the consultants' assessment that real operating cost savings of £500,000 relative to the preliminary budget figures could be achieved and this has been reflected in the authority's 1982–83 budget.