§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Minister of Health whether his attention is being called to the shortage of water in many centres of population; and whether he proposes to call the attention of local authorities generally to the need for examining their water supplies to see whether they are adequate to meet all emergencies?
§ Mr. GREENWOODMy attention has been drawn to this matter. I have already issued a memorandum urging water authorities to examine their position, in view of the present emergency and possible difficulty in the future, and indicating the measures to be taken.
§ Mr. LONGBOTTOMasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the serious shortage in water supplies; and will he say what steps he proposes to take temporarily to amend the regulations regarding compensation water to riparian owners so that local authorities may be helped to overcome their difficulties during this time of emergency?
§ Mr. GREENWOODMy attention has been drawn to this matter. In the memorandum on water shortage which I have issued this week, I have advised that, where shortage exists or is threatened and compensation water is supplied, the water undertakers should enter into immediate negotiations with the riparian interests with the object of securing agreement for the temporary reduction or intermission of discharges of compensation water. I trust that all interests will recognise that in the present exceptional emergency, essential domestic needs must have the first consideration and that reasonable concessions immediately may be the only way to avoid a very serious situation within a short time.