§ MR. BIGWOOD (Middlesex, Brentford)asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether his attention had been called to a letter in The Times from the Vicar of St. Jude's, Whitechapel, giving details of the water famine in the East-end of London, and whether an assurance of the Deportment would be given that the best endeavour would be made to minimise as far as possible the sufferings of these unfortunate people. [Cheers.]
§ * THE SECRETARY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. T. W. RUSSELL,) Tyrone, S.said that up to the hour when the House met no complaints had reached the Department as to the insufficiency of the water supply, but on reading the letter in The Times he dispatched General Scott to the locality. It was found that, being Bank Holiday, none of the responsible officials were at the company's offices. There had, however, been a serious burst in one of the mains. He dispatched General Scott later to the various blocks of buildings referred to in the Vicar of St. Jude's letter, and was now waiting his return and the report.
§ LORD HUGH CECILasked whether the Government would consider the propriety of moving an Amendment in the Water Companies Bill in another place with the view of altering the date for the 111 Bill to come into force? At present the date was November 1, but he thought its provisions might be made to apply to any water famine during the present summer.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. CHAPLIN,) Lincolnshire, Sleafordsaid that he had considered this point since he had received information with reference to the water supply, and if it was possible to do so he would take steps in the direction indicated. ["Hear, hear!"]