Water Act 1989

Oral Answers to Questions — Wales – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 21 Ionawr 1991.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Alun Michael Alun Michael , De Caerdydd a Phenarth 12:00, 21 Ionawr 1991

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which of his powers under the Water Act 1989 he has exercised since taking up his office; and whether he has any plans to seek to increase those powers.

Photo of Mr Nicholas Bennett Mr Nicholas Bennett , Pembroke

My right hon. Friend has used a number of powers under the Water Act 1989, and, with permission, I have arranged for a list to be circulated in the Official Report. He has at present no plans to seek any increase in his powers under the Act.

Photo of Alun Michael Alun Michael , De Caerdydd a Phenarth

Does the Minister or, preferably, the Secretary of State remember the firm promises that were given by their predecessors on the strict regulation of the water industry in Wales following the passage of the Water Act? Will the Minister explain how any benefit can accrue to water consumers as a result of the purchase of electricity shares, which could not have been achieved without that £31 million-plus purchase? Does he have any powers to investigate that purchase to give the public the full facts of the matter?

Photo of Mr Nicholas Bennett Mr Nicholas Bennett , Pembroke

Welsh Water is a private commercial company. It is a matter for the shareholders of Welsh Water to decide the investments made by that company. From correspondence that he has had with the Director General of Water Services, the hon. Gentleman will be aware that there is a limit of 15 per cent. on ownership in the South Wales electricity board and that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State retains his golden share in the water industry. Also, it has been made clear to the hon. Gentleman in a letter of 4 January 1991 from the Director General of Water Services that he is content that Welsh Water is doing what is required of it and that, if there is any indication that consumers of Welsh Water will be harmed in any way, he will take action to prevent it.

Following is the information:

Water Act 1989
List of powers used by the Secretary of State for Wales since taking office
SectionDescription
3Payment of members of the Advisory Committee for Wales
20Acceptance of undertakings by undertakers
37General authorisation to the Director General to enforce the duties of water undertakers under this section
60Appointment of technical assessors and the designation of those appointed in relation to the provisions of section 60(4)
67General authorisation to the Director General to enforce the duties of sewerage undertakers under this section
74 and 185Regulations related to trade effluent
89The fixing of a target investment limit for the Government shareholding in Welsh Water plc

SectionDescription
131General drought order
141Determination of the payment to be made to the Chairman of the National Rivers Authority's Welsh Region's Advisory Committee