§ MR. C. E. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the state of nine cottages in the hamlet of Bailey Hill, Birdbrook, in the rural district of Bumpstead, Essex, which are without any water supply, except a pond used by cattle, and further polluted by matter from the only convenience at the disposal of those nine dwellings; and whether, seeing that the sanitary authorities have exhausted their powers, he proposes to take any steps to coerce the owner to provide a proper supply without proceeding to close the cottages, as, although the inhabitants are in bad health, cottages are greatly needed in the locality.
(Answered by Mr. John Burns.) I am aware of this case, and I understand that in attempt was made some time since to deal with it under The Public Health (Water) Act, 1878, but it would seem that this was not practicable under the terms of the Act. It appears to be very desirable that a proper supply of water should be provided for these cottages, but I have no power to compel the owner to make such provision. Whether the rural district council have exhausted their powers as regard the cottages I am 631 not at present able to say. I will communicate with them on the subject.