§ Mr. KnapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what amount will be invested over the next 10 years to improve the quality of Britain's rivers, seas and drinking water.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryIn addition to the investment in new water treatment and disposal by industry and agriculture to meet effluent standards, the water industry in England and Wales will be carrying out the biggest programme of sustained investment in its history with total capital expenditure of over £27 billion planned over the next 10 years. This will enable the industry to renew and extend sewers and sewage treatment works, to improve our drinking water and to complete the clean-up of our coastal waters and beaches. The benefits of this investment will be seen in improved water quality, as well as in higher standards of service to the consumer.
In Scotland, where the water industry remains in the public sector, capital expenditure provision is considered over a three-year period with annual reviews. Provision for the water and sewerage programme has been substantially increased to over £500 million for the period 1990–91 to 1992–93. This will enable authorities to make good progress with improvements.