HC Deb 22 February 1989 vol 147 cc681-2W
24. Mr. Livsey

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has made any decision as to what proportion of water authority stock will be retained by the Government at the proposed flotation of the water industry.

Mr. Ridley

No.

65. Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate by how much water prices will rise in the first year after privatisation.

Mr. Moynihan

It is too early to anticipate the Values of the price cap ("K") which will govern water charges increases.

95. Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has had any recent discussions with the chairpersons of the water authorities on disconnection policy before and after privatisation of the water industry.

Mr. Moynihan

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State regularly meets chairmen of the water authorities to discuss a number of issues. My hon. and learned Friend the Minister for Water and Planning has welcomed the recent proposals announced by the water industry to revise their disconnections code of practice. These introduce important new customer safeguards and should assist in keeping disconnection to the absolute minimum of those customers who can pay but refuse to do so.

106. Mr. Grocott

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent assessment he has made of the effect of his water privatisation plans on the cost of water to the consumer.

Mr. Moynihan

The Department will carry out an assessment of each water authority's and each water company's future financial requirements in the coming months and I will then be in a position to make proposals for the price cap which will be applicable to each appointed undertaking under the Water Bill.