§ Mr. GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) under what arrangements and for what purpose the Southern water authority has purchased shares in the Folkestone water company;
(2) under what arrangements and for what purpose the Southern water authority has purchased shares in the Eastbourne water company;
34W(3) under what arrangements and for what purpose the Southern water authority has purchased shares in the West Kent water company;
(4) under what arrangements and for what purpose the Southern water authority has purchased shares in the Mid Sussex water company.
§ Mr. Moynihan[holding answer 3 February 1989]: Southern water authority purchased shares in these companies under the powers available to it under the Water Act 1973. I understand that Southern hopes to use its shareholding to promote co-operation with the companies to reduce costs.