54. Mr. PALMERasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the danger to the health of London and to the industries of the Metropolis consequent on the threat of employés of the Metropolitan Water Board to strike, the Government can give the assurance that adequate steps have been taken to counteract any intention to stop the supply of water in London?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Government have been in communication with the Metropolitan Water Board, which is fully alive to its duty to maintain a proper water supply for London. The Works Committee of the Water Board have agreed in principle to refer the matter in dispute to arbitration, and negotiations are proceeding between the parties as to the actual terms of reference with a view to the matter coming before the Industrial Court on Tuesday next.