asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the comments he has received from public bodies on his consultative document on the proposed reorganisation of water and sewerage services in England and Wales.

No, Sir. Any publicity for any comments on this proposed reorganisation must be a matter for those making the comments.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the consultative document left a great deal to consult about, that in this case the general principle of multi-purpose authorities has been agreed and that it would be a great help to the good will of everyone concerned if the Minister would publish these comments so that we know what the major bodies concerned are thinking?

I do not think that there is any need to do so. I am perfectly willing to have the maximum dialogue and discussion with the major bodies concerned in this sphere. I am certain that there will be no complaint from them that they have not been fully consulted and have not had every opportunity to put their views.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that sailing clubs which use the canals are concerned about this reorganisation, and will he have consultations with them?

Yes, Sir.

Is the Minister aware that when he announced his proposals he told the House that he had consulted the bodies in charge of canals and the water industry, but these responsible bodies have denied that they have been properly consulted? Is he further aware that the proposals for the canals have caused dismay throughout the country?

That may be due to the completely inaccurate suggestions made by the hon. Gentleman, but I assure him that considerable consultation is going on and that there is no complaint about the degree of consultation which is taking place.