§ Dr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment under what criteria the privatised water undertakers will be eligible for grants from the European regional development fund.
§ Mr. Ridley[holding answer 13 July 1989]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply which my hon. and learned Friend the Minister for Water and Planning gave to the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mrs. Taylor) on 2 May, Official Report, column 57. The European Commission has agreed to continue to consider applications for aid from the European regional development fund in respect of investments in infrastructure by privatised water undertakers. We are in discussion with the Commission over its detailed requirements.