Written question asked by Nigel Spearing (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 March 1997. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Monday, 3 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: 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.

Answer: Mr. Spearing: To 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. Clappison: In 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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 17740; 291 c464W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Central government Distribution Grants Water Storage Utilities Northumbrian Water