§ 39. Mr. LEVYasked the Minister of Health how many regional committees have been formed to deal with water 910 supply; what areas they cover respectively; and what they have accomplished?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEARESix regional committees have been formed covering the areas: South-West Lancashire (22 authorities), West Riding of Yorkshire (142 authorities), Sherwood Area of Nottinghamshire (22 authorities), Isle of Wight (11 authorities), Holland, Lincolnshire (12 authorities) and South Buckinghamshire (six authorities). The Sherwood Area Committee has issued its report, including an agreed plan for the allocation of the water resources. The other committees are engaged in surveying needs and resources and formulating plans for future supplies. Measures have been taken for the appointment at an early date of two additional regional committees covering large areas.
§ Mr. LEVYWhile thanking my hon. Friend for his reply and appreciating the fact that two extra committees are being: formed, will he say what other steps are being taken to form other committees in other parts of the country where an improvement in the water supply is urgently needed?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThat is a matter for the committee which is all the time considering what new regional committees can be formed.
§ 40. Mr. LEVYasked the Minister of Health when the survey of the water resources of the country, which was begun in 1923, is likely to be finished; how much of the country has been surveyed so far; and will he consider publishing the data already obtained?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThe survey to which my hon. Friend refers is the regular accumulation of information by officers of my Department in the course of their duties. The majority of the existing water undertakings have been investigated. From its nature the work is continuous, it is amplified as fresh information is obtained and is therefore never completed. Much of the information obtained is confidential and it is not proposed to publish it, nor does my right hon. Friend think that the advantage of publication would justify the cost.
§ Mr. LEVYIs it not possible, in view of the urgency of this matter, to speed up this survey by appointing special officers from the Ministry to carry out the work systematically?
§ Sir F. FREMANTLEQuite apart from speeding up, is it possible to consider the fact that we have had an unprecedented drought this season and winter, which makes a reconsideration of the supplies and Surveys rather essential? Is it possible to have this matter reconsidered all through the country?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREIt was in consequence of the drought that the Government gave the promise that will lead to the introduction of a Bill. No doubt all these questions will then be discussed.
§ Mr. LEVYIn view of the fact that this survey has been going on for the last 10 years, is it not possible to have published some of the data, so that we can Bee exactly what are the water resources of the country?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREAs I said in my reply, that would not be justified on account of the cost involved. The evidence is voluminous.