§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the effects of increases in water charges on old-age pensioners; and what plans he has for specific assistance.
§ Mr. Atkins[holding answer 3 May 1994]: The Director General of Water Services has a duty to protect the interests of customers and ensure no undue preference or discrimination in the fixing of charges. In performing this
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§ Mr. BaldryUrban development corporations make use of architectural, engineering, property, legal and other specialist consultancy to provide the necessary expertise in managing major regeneration projects. It provides better value for money to the Exchequer for corporations to make use of private practice in this way than to employ such staff with the appropriate technical expertise in-house. Consultants are appointed by competitive tendering and in accordance with strict procedures which are open to inspection by independent auditors, appointed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.