§ Mr. REMNANTasked what steps he proposed to take as a result of the recommendation of the Joint Select Committee on the Water Supplies (Protection) Bill, 18th July, 1910, which agreed with the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Sewage Disposal and of the Royal Commissions on Water Supply of 1869 and on Metropolitan Water Supply of 1893, all of which asserted the principle that there is urgent need for a survey, at once comprehensive and in detail, of the water supplies and water needs of the country and for the adoption of measures for conserving the supply and disposing of it to the best advantage?
§ Mr. BURNSIn pursuance of an Order of the House, a Return is being prepared relating to the water supply of every district in England and Wales. This will include information as to the quantities of water now being supplied in each district, and as to what further quantities could be supplied from sources at present in use, together with information as to the character and situation of these sources. I have also obtained the authority of the Treasury to the appointment of a geologist on the staff of the Department. I am not without hope of introducing a Bill giving effect to the recommendations of the Commissions referred to.
§ Mr. REMNANTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the inquiry of the Royal Commission on Canals and Waterworks will shortly be terminated, and can he say whether the information obtained by the Commission will be utilised in this matter?