§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what long-term funding his Department will be apportioning to upgrade water treatment plants in Strathclyde region.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Scottish Development Department has asked all regional and islands authorities to provide information about improvements necessary to achieve compliance with drinking water quality standards. When this information has been fully assessed Strathclyde regional council's needs will be taken into account, along with those of other authorities, in reviewing the capital expenditure allocations for water and sewerage services in Scotland.
§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the reduction in capital allocation to Strathclyde regional water authority for the next financial year.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonNone. Allocations for water supply services are not issued separately. The provisional allocation for Strathclyde region's water and sewerage programme in 1990–91 was first set in 1988 at £41 million but was increased in February 1989 to £44 million, a rise of £3 million. While this increased provisional allocation is £1 million less than the capital allocation for the present year, it is still provisional and subject to review before final allocations for 1990–91 are set.
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§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any plans to reduce the proposed time of 20 years given to Strathclyde regional water authority to satisfy European Community requirements for drinking water.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonA time period has not yet been agreed with Strathclyde regional council for achieving full compliance with European Community drinking water standards. Water quality improvement schemes currently programmed are due for completion not later than the end of 1995.