MR. C. E. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)To ask the President of the Local Government Board if he has been able to ascertain from the Bumpstead Rural District Council whether they have exhausted their powers under The Public Health (Water) Act, 1878, in the unsuccessful attempt made by them to secure 919 a proper supply of water for the nine cottages at Baily Hill, Birdbrook, Essex, whose sole supply at present consists of polluted pond water; and whether, if this be the case, he will consider the advisability of introducing some amendment of the law affecting rural water supplies.
(Answered by Mr. John Burns.) I have received from the rural district council a copy of the Report made by the medical officer of health on this subject. I understand that there is a well within 200 yards of the cottages from which the occupiers might obtain water, but that there are certain difficulties in their using the well, and there is the quality of the water to be considered. I am still in communication with the rural district council on the matter.