§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy that, following the privatisation of the water authorities, privatised waler companies will be permitted to contract with local 745W authorities in signing agreements for the carrying out of any works required by the water companies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanAlthough local authorities do not have general powers to carry out contract work for private companies, my right hon. Friend's proposals for privatisation of the water industry envisage that local authorities will be enabled to continue to act as sewerage agents of the privatised undertakers. Existing arrangements between water authorities and local authorities will continue in force unless and until notice to withdraw from the arrangement is given by either party.