§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in which years since 1979 Government assistance was given to capital or revenue expenditure of (i) publicly owned and (ii) private water companies for(a) new reservoirs and (b) prevention of leaks in mains supplies; and in each case what was the nature of the assistance. [17740]
§ Mr. ClappisonIn 1983–84 the Government made a specific grant, repayable within five years, to Northumbrian Water towards the financing costs of major investment including the Kielder reservoir. No other financial assistance from Government since 1979 has been specifically for the provision of new reservoirs or the prevention of leaks in mains supplies, which have been matters for the former water authorities and the water companies.