§ Mr. Simon Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions have taken place between his Department and the Water Authorities' Association regarding the possible privatisation of regional water authoritiesr Commo.
§ Mr. WaldegraveNo specific discussions on privatisation have been held with the Water Authorities Association. We do not regard water authorities as suitable candidates for early privatisation. However, in discussions with individual chairmen, we have emphasised that the Government attach high priority to increased private sector involvement in water authority activities in the interest of efficiency.