HC Deb 13 March 1989 vol 149 cc94-5W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any proposals to write off part or all of the capital debt of any of the English water authorities.

Mr. Howard

The Water Bill contains powers which will enable National Loans Fund and Public Works Loans

Board debt, inherited by the new companies from the water authorities, to be replaced by a combination of equity and debentures. These powers will be used to put in place capital structures appropriate for the new companies.