HC Deb 25 March 1993 vol 221 cc687-8W
Mr. Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 18 March,Official Report, column 390, about a meeting between a water and sewerage company and officials of the Scottish Office, what was the company; when and where the meeting was held; who were the participants; and what was discussed.

Sir Hector Monro

[holding answer 23 March 1993]: The meeting was held in February this year in the offices of the Scottish Office in Edinburgh. Senior officials from both sides attended and discussed matters arising out of the company's response to the consultation paper "Investing For Our Future". The company requested that their response to the consultation paper should be treated as confidential. Discussions have been held, and continue to be held, with a wide range of bodies who wish to offer views on the future structure of Scottish water services or to amplify their responses to the consultation paper.

Mr. Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 18 March,Official Report, column 390, which three water and sewerage companies submitted formal responses to the consultation paper; and when each submission was received.

Sir Hector Monro

[holding answer 23 March 1993]: North West Water's response was dated 28 January 1993. Responses from two other companies were dated 28 January and 26 January. These companies asked that their responses should be treated as confidential.

Mr. Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 18 March,Official Report, column 390, if he will publish in full or in summary the formal responses received to the consultation paper from the three water and sewerage companies, together with ancillary correspondence.

Sir Hector Monro

[holding answer 23 March 1993]: Responses to the consultation paper "Investing For Our Future", apart from those from respondents who requested confidentiality, are available in the Scottish Office library in Edinburgh. Copies of particular responses can be obtained through the Library of the House. Other correspondence received by the Scottish Office is treated in confidence in the normal way.