HC Deb 14 December 1933 vol 284 cc523-5
37. Sir FRANK SANDERSON

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that at Ditchling, East Sussex, the water supply is completely cut off from 2 p.m. each day; whether, as difficulties will be increased by the continued development of this area, he will take immediate steps to help this locality; and if he will com- plete as soon as possible the survey of the water resources and requirements of the country which was begun in 1923?

Sir H. YOUNG

I am aware of the difficulties in this area. A private Bill is being promoted this Session authorising works and arrangements whereby the responsible water undertakers, the Burgess Hill Water Company, may obtain an adequate supply of water. In the meantime, the company are taking steps to obtain temporary supplies. As regards the second part of the question, the survey to which my hon. Friend refers is the regular accumulation of information by my officers in the course of their duties. This work is proceeding.

Mr. DENMAN

Can my right hon. Friend say when the Bill relating to water supplies may be expected to be introduced and printed?

40. Mr. CHORLTON

asked the Minister of Health if he will cause to be made a hydrogeological survey of the country to determine the supplies of water available in order that, in any proposals for the supply of rural districts, proper regard may be taken of the requirements of other areas and of the ultimate linking up of undertakings?

Sir H. YOUNG

Most difficulties of rural supplies can be resolved only by making use of local resources, and I have, in a special circular, urged county councils and rural district councils to carry out a thorough survey of existing supplies and the availability of new supplies for their districts. The needs of other areas and the advantages of combined schemes are considered in deciding on proposals put before me.

Mr. CHORLTON

Has the right hon. Gentleman not seen the various recommendations of Royal Commissions, that a central hydrogeological survey should be made of the water capacity of the country, and does he not think that to carry on in the way we are now doing is only tinkering with the question?

Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Minister of Agriculture so that when water is supplied there may be a supply available for animal husbandry?

Sir H. YOUNG

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that there will be full consultation with the Minister of Agriculture in developing this question.