HC Deb 03 November 1994 vol 248 cc1264-5W
Mr. Betts

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how much private capital has been invested in public investment projects within his Department's responsibility since the 1992 autumn statement;

(2) if he will list those public investment projects within his Department's responsibility which have attracted private capital and which have been commenced since November 1993.

Sir Paul Beresford

It is not practicable to list individually the very large number of public projects which have benefited from private investment over the last two years. However, the Department and its sponsored bodies attracted some £3 billion of private investment in support of departmental programmes in 1993–94, and similarly expect to lever in over £3 billion of private funding in 1994–95. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment announced on 31 October further proposals to make it easier for local authorities to co-operate in joint ventures with the private sector. A summary of the proposals, which we aim to implement with effect from 1 April 1995, has been placed in the Library.

Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 31 October,Official Report, column 972–73, if he will place in the Library the submission made to him on water charging systems by the water services and water companies associations.

Mr. Atkins

It is for the two associations to decide whether they wish to make public the contents of their letter to my right hon. Friend.