§ * MR. C. J. MONK (Gloucester)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board, whether he is aware that, owing to the excessive drought, the wells in Essendon, in the county of Hertford, from which the inhabitants derive their sole supply of water, are becoming dry; and, whether he will take immediate steps to consider the Report of 481 Colonel Hasted, the Government Inspector, respecting the scheme for providing an adequate supply of pure water for the village of Essendon, which has been before the Board for several months past?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. HENRY CHAPLIN,) Lincolnshire, SleafordI do not find that any communication has been received as to the effect of the present drought on the wells in Essendon, but I have no doubt as to the necessity of an improved water supply for the place. The Report of Colonel Hasted, the Board's Inspector, after his Inquiry has been received within the last few days. The matter will receive the Board's immediate attention, and a communication will be addressed to the authority without delay. As my hon. Friend is probably aware, the proposals of the authority have met with some opposition.