§ Lord Orr-Ewingasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many senior officers of the Department of Environment have visited the USA to study the experience of the regulatory authorities which exist in each state, and whether the lessons learnt will be incorporated when privatising water and other utilities.
§ Lord BelsteadNo visits have been made to the USA by officials specifically to consider the implications for water privatisation of their regulatory regime. However, the officials concerned with environment protection and including the head of the department's Water Technical Division have had general discussions with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, the department is advised on water privatisation by a consultant who has studied river basin management agencies in the USA and Canada. Information has also been received on United States environmental policy via HM Embassy in Washington.