§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent discussions he has had with the trade unions regarding water privatisation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanOn 18 April, officials from the Department met representatives of NALGO to discuss the proposed establishment of the National Rivers Authority and the privatisation of the water authorities' utility functions. The water authorities will themselves consult the trades unions on the schemes of re-organisation which they will be asked to prepare once the Public Utility Transfers and Water Charges Bill has received Royal Assent.