43. Colonel NEWMANasked the Minister of Health if he will institute an inquiry into the conditions affecting the Metropolitan Water Board and the causes alleged to render necessary the proposed substantial increase in charges; whether the effect of the increases in assessments in the Metropolitan area will more than meet the deficit of the Metropolitan Water Board and thus render unnecessary any increase in charges; whether there is any foundation for the suggestion that an application has been made by the Metropolitan Water Board to be taken out of assessment; and, if so, whether he will refuse to grant such application?
§ Dr. ADDISONAn inquiry such as my hon. Friend suggests has already been undertaken by a Departmental Committee, and I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of their Report. The charges of the Water Board cannot be increased without legislation, and I understand the Water Board are considering the question of introducing a Private Bill for this purpose next Session. I am not aware of any such application as is referred to in the latter part of the question.
§ Dr. ADDISONI must have notice of that.