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Dept for International Development

Answer

Mr. Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the work undertaken by British water companies in developing nations to develop clean water sources and the co-operation given to them by her Department. [147663] Clare Short: My Department works closely with DETR, the sponsoring Department for the UK water industry, to ensure the companies are fully aware of DFlD's work in developing countries and the role they might play in it. My officials meet regularly with representatives of water companies, and the chairman of Severn Trent Water was a member of the UK delegation to last years World Water Forum in The Hague. DFID supports the World Bank's Business Partners for Development initiative. This involves a number of the companies in pilot projects. Through this initiative water companies are developing new relationships with civil society and public government bodies and exploring collaborative approaches to extending water supply and sanitation services to the poor. We also recognise the valuable support provided by the customers and employees of British water companies to WaterAid.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

362 c601W;362 c602W; 147663

Session

2000-01

Question not reached

Yes

Subjects

Developing countries Government departments Pilot schemes Water Water supply Water companies Sanitation

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk