§ Dr. Michael Clarkasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to conclude his consideration of the regional water authorities' proposed schemes for representing consumers' interests.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has approved all the authorities' schemes, and copies have been placed in the Library. Consumer consultative committees and regional recreation and conservation committees are now being set up in each water authority area. They are the last of the organisational improvements envisaged in the Water Act 1983 and are an important innovation for the water industry. They will be open to the public; will directly represent the users of water services; and will be the main forum for discussing the policies and actions of the authorities and the ways they affect the interests of different groups of user. I look forward to all concerned working together constructively in considering the full range of authority business.
The authorities are now finalising their arrangements and appointing members of the committees. The majority are expected to have held their first meetings by the end of July.