HC Deb 26 March 1996 vol 274 cc539-40W
Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the optimum size for the most efficient delivery of(a) sewerage services and (b) water services. [23010]

Mr. Clappison

The optimum size for the most efficient delivery of water and sewerage services will be determined by market forces, subject to satisfying the requirements of the competition and regulatory authorities.

Mrs. Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the total population covered by each of the water and sewerage companies in order of size, in respect of(a) water supply and (b) sewerage service. [23009]

Mr. Clappison

Information on the resident connected population for water supply and for sewerage services for each of the water and sewerage companies is given in table 1.7 in "Waterfacts 1995" published by the Water Services Association. A copy of this report is available in the Library.

Mrs. Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment by what criteria he will judge whether the long-term public interest is served by mergers of the large water and sewerage undertakings. [23011]

Mr. Clappison

Mergers involving two or more water enterprises, each with assets of over £30 million, are referred automatically by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. If the MMC concludes that a merger would be against the public interest, it is for the president to decide what action, if any, should be taken to remedy or prevent any adverse effects arising from the merger.