Water and Sewerage Services (Hansard, 1 November 1990)

§ Mr. Brooke

I propose to transfer the water and sewerage functions of the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland to a Government-owned company, in line with the Government's policy of applying private sector disciplines wherever possible. The target date for the transfer is 1 October 1992.

The Government are committed to improving the quality of drinking water in line with EC standards and to 637W protecting the environment. They believe the transfer of the water service to a commercially orientated water company will enable these aims to be met in the most cost-effective way. This will safeguard the interests of ratepayers and metered water consumers. The separation of water and sewerage services from DOE will also facilitate the establishment of effective regulatory regimes, with benefits for the whole community.

A major programme of work lies ahead to achieve an orderly transition from the present arrangements to the new ones. The effective and efficient delivery of water and sewerage services depends on the skills and commitment of the staff of the water service and the Government intend to discuss with the trade unions the basis on which staff will transfer from the Northern Ireland civil service to the new company.

Parliamentary approval to funding for the establishment of the company will be sought in a supplementary estimate for the DOE, vote 3—water and sewerage. Pending that approval, urgent expenditure estimated at £50,000 will be met by repayable advances from the contingencies fund.