§ MR. KIMBER (Wandsworth)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware of the generally foul condition of the water supplied to the fountains in Trafalgar Square; whether it is a fact that the source of supply is a well in the rear of the National Gallery, and that the water, which may be termed bilge water from the pumping engine, falls by gravitation to and from the fountains, forwards and backwards, the same water doing service for a long period; whether from the well itself, water is supplied to several of the Government Offices; whether, seeing that most of the wells of London have been condemned, and are now no longer in use, there are periodical examinations of this particular water, so as to insure its fitness for 479 human consumption; and with reference to the fountains, whether, seeing that the main of the Chelsea Company, with adequate pressure, is in close proximity, it would not be an economy to contract for a supply of pure water; and whether, seeing that public meetings are no longer allowed to be held in the Square, Her Majesty's Government will consider the expediency of converting it into a public garden, in a manner similar to that of Parliament Square?
§ SIR H. MAXWELLThe water supplied to the fountains in Trafalgar Square is not generally in a foul condition. The ordinary source of supply is from the artesian well at the back of the National Gallery, and the water used for the purpose is the condensed water (not bilge water) from the engines of the pumping station in Orange Street, which falls by gravitation to and from the fountains; but this supply is supplemented whenever required by water from the Chelsea Water Company's main. Water is supplied from the artesian well in question to the Royal palaces and public buildings in the West-End, and from repeated analyses it has been found to be of excellent quality. It would not be economical to contract with Water Companies for the supply required for the palaces or public offices, nor, if it were so, would the water supply be purer than that obtained from the artesian well. I will mention the suggestion in the hon. Member's last paragraph to the First Commissioner.