§ Mr. Stuart Hollandasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many planning applications for hotel development in the Waterloo area bounded by Lambeth road, Blackfriars road and the River Thames he has called in for decision in each of the past six years.
§ Mr. TraceyNone.
§ Sir John Wellsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what provision he proposes to make in the legislation implementing the proposals contained in the White Paper on privatisation of the water authorities, 243W Cmnd. 9734, to ensure the preservation of the existing rights of leisure and navigation interests; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenPrivatisation is not expected to affect the rights and duties of water authorities relating to navigation or recreation. These rights and duties will pass to water services public limited companies. The companies' operating licences will provide for the existing range and level of facilities to be maintained, and they will be able to develop and expand in these areas if they wish. The licences will also provide for the Director General of Water Services to determine the size of the environmental services charge which helps to pay for recreation and navigation functions.