§ 31. Mr. LEVYasked the Minister of Health if he will make arrangements for a survey of our water resources and of the areas which have no adequate supply and consider, in conjunction with the appropriate local authorities, the provision of proper water supply for such areas?
Sir H. YOUNGA survey comprehensive enough to be of value is possible only after detailed local investigation, and to embark on a special survey would cost a good deal of public money. The policy of the Ministry is to encourage the formation of Advisory Regional Water Committees for ascertaining local needs and formulating a programme of the best means of meeting them. Officers of the Ministry collect information locally. Applications for loans for water schemes are being constantly made to me and are carefully considered by my expert advisers.
§ Mr. LEVYWhatever may be the present system, does not my right hon. Friend agree that an adequate water supply in rural areas is essential in view of agricultural expansion, and will he go ahead in this vital matter?
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESWhat response has there been from local authorities that have not an adequate water supply, in view of the encouragement that the Department has given for the provision of a better supply?
Sir H. YOUNGI certainly cordially agree with the principle suggested in the first supplementary question. The second supplementary arises on the next question to be asked.
§ 32. Mr. LEVYasked the Minister of Health what schemes for the provision or improvement of the water supply have been submitted to his Department during the past 12 months; and what action, if any, was taken on them?
Sir H. YOUNGThe information requested would have to be specially prepared, and therefore I am not able to furnish my hon. Friend with it at the moment. I may, however, state that during the 12 months ended 30th September, 1932, loans amounting to £2,180,000 were sanctioned. I am not aware of any case where an application for loan has been refused for satisfactory works which were self-supporting.
§ Mr. LEVYWill the Minister define what he means by "satisfactory works" and "self-supporting," because I underStand—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] With great respect and humility, I hope I have not said anything out of order.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member was embarking on a speech.
§ Mr. LEVYMay I put it in another form? May I ask the right hon. Gentle-man what he means by "self-supporting"?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better leave it at that.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better put his question on the Paper.
§ Mr. DAVIESIn view of the very serious apprehensions on this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman say whether in the £2,000,000 which has been sanctioned there are included any new water supplies, or does the £2,000,000 cover only the extension of existing water supplies?
Sir H. YOUNGI should require notice in order to give an accurate reply, but I think I can state on the spur of the moment that undoubtedly some new works are included. I should like to cover myself by asking the hon. Gentleman to put a question on the Paper, and I will then give a full reply.