§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has amended his plans, in the event of privatisation of the water authorities, for the legal framework protecting the water environment.
§ Mr. MoynihanNo. It remains the Government's firm intention to strengthen protection of the water environment, in particular by providing a statutory framework of quality objectives and standards for rivers and estuaries; and by establishing the National Rivers Authority, for the management and protection of the water environment. Detailed provisions will be brought forward in the forthcoming water privatisation Bill.