§ MR. HARRY SAMUEL (Tower Hamlets, Limehouse)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that the East London Water Company has cut off the supply to its customers from 9 o'clock in the evening to 6 o'clock in the morning until further notice; and, if so, considering the great inconvenience caused in East London, is he prepared to take any steps in the matter?
§ MR. CHAPLINI am aware that the Last London Water Company have given notice that the water supply will be shut off from 9 at night until G in the morning. Immediately I received the information I requested General Scott, the water examiner of the metropolis, to inquire into the facts and to report to me the result. I much regret to state that this discontinuance of the supply at night has become necessary as a precautionary measure, in consequence of the fact that the works authorised by the Act of 1894 have not yet been fully carried out, and also because of the long-continued drought, which has been far more serious even than in the previous year. I am in communication with the East London Water Company on the subject, and I hope that the New River Company—with whom, also, I am 263 in communication—will be able to render some assistance as regards the supply by the East London Water Company.