HC Deb 02 February 1989 vol 146 cc354-5W
Mrs. Ann Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will make it his policy that the Director General of Water Services designate will play a role in fixing the cost of water to the consumer;

(2) whom he will be meeting to discuss the value of K, prior to flotation of the water industry.

Mr. Howard

The setting of the initial charges limit applying to water undertakings on their appointment is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. In order to promote consistency of procedures on matters such as consultation with those that the director general is likely to follow in subsequent reviews of the charges limit, he will hold discussions with the director general designate when his/her appointment has been made.