§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the anticipated outstanding debt for each water authority, expressed in sterling, for 1989–90.
§ Mr. HowardI expect the liabilities of the water authorities to pass to the successor bodies under the provisions of the Water Bill before the end of 1989. Figures for debt outstanding at the end of 1988–89 will be published in each authority's annual accounts in the usual way.
§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the external finance limits for each water authority, for the years 1986–87 to 1989–90.
§ Mr. HowardThe information requested is set out in the table for 1986–87, 1987–88 and 1988–89. I expect the water authorities to pass to the successor bodies under the provisions of the Water Bill before the end of 1989.
Authority 1986–87 1987–88 1988–89 Anglian 45.7 36.0 23.5 Northumbrian 18.0 -1.0 4.0 North West 58.0 60.2 54.0 Severn Trent 7.9 -2.4 -16.5 Southern 2.2 -5.0 -13.5 South West 4.7 1.0 1.0 Thames -82.0 -95.0 -95.0 Wessex 26.8 13.0 25.0 Yorkshire 25.8 21.5 15.0 External finance limits for the Welsh water authorities are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.