§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the total current capital debts of the 10 water authorities; and how much of those debts he intends to write-off on the privatisation of the industry.
§ Mr. HowardDetails of outstanding capital loans to water authorities are recorded in their respective annual654W reports and accounts, copies are available in the Library. The Water Bill will enable National Loans Fund and Public Works Loans Board debts to be written off and replaced as appropriate by a combination of equity and debentures. These powers will be used to put in place capital structures appropriate for the new companies.