asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the cost of the National Water Council in the current year.

The annual report and accounts for 1979–80 of the National Water Council were laid before the House on 28 October. They show that in that financial year the expenditure on general services was £2.6 million and on training and education £2.8 million.In the current financial year, 1980–81, the council estimates that the expenditure will be about £3.4 million and £3.4 million respectively.