asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will now make the necessary orders establishing the new river authorities provided for by the Water Resources Act, 1963; and when he expects such river authorities to exercise the functions to be assigned or transferred to them.

My right hon. Friend and his right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have now made orders establishing all the river authorities except that for the Lancashire area which will be made very shortly. It is contemplated that the authorities will begin to exercise their functions on 1st April, 1965.