§ 62. Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increasing competition among municipal authorities for water-supply sources, he will consider making a Government allotment of water-bearing areas in order to prevent small authorities from being squeezed out by large wealthy cities?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)The interests of small authorities are carefully watched over by my Department when examining proposals for water supplies, and, where necessary, reports are made to Parliament. A general survey and allotment of water-bearing areas would entail considerable expense and delay, and my right hon. Friend prefers the system which has been adopted of appointing regional water committees, who estimate local needs and then proceed to formulate definite proposals for supplying them.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it not a fact that many large authorities are able to collect water over very large areas, taking the water from smaller districts which have only sufficient to supply themselves, and which, in the end, can only obtain water from the larger authorities at a greater cost?
§ Sir K. WOODThis question suggests the adoption of a particular plan, and I have replied that my right hon. Friend considers that the appointment of Regional Water Committees is the best way of dealing with the matter.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Regional Water Committees have been in operation, and does he not think that his Department 419 should take some steps to ensure that the smaller districts have a supply of water?