asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the cutbacks in his Department, he sees any merit in privatising services such as refuse collection and maintaining roads and if he will make a statement on the matter.
89.
Written Answers. - Privatisation of Public Services.
66.
asked the Minister for the Environment, taking into account the cutbacks in his Department, his views on the privatisation of services, such as refuse collection and road maintenance.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 89 together. The question of using private firms for carrying out local authority services is a matter in the first instance for local authorities when they are considering their estimates of expenditure, having regard to their overall financial position and the most cost effective manner of providing individual services.