HC Deb 19 March 1986 vol 94 c233W
29. Mr. Galley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the quality of drinking water will not be affected by the privatisation of water authorities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

The legal basis of drinking water standards will be clarified and departures from those standards will as now be allowed in exceptional circumstances only with specific Government authorisation.