§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has had discussions with the trade unions regarding (i) water privatisation, (ii) privatisation of the electricity industry and (iii) local government services privatisation legislation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have formally sought the views of the Wales TUC and the trade unions on the proposals contained in the Local Government Act and on detailed aspects of implementation. I have met representatives of the Wales TUC to discuss the competition provisions contained in the Act, but I have not discussed with the trade unions either water privatisation or the privatisation of the electricity industry. The latter of course is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy. The trade unions and the Wales TUC have had the opportunity to comment on the various documents setting out the Government's proposals in these areas.