§ 64. Mr. LIDDALLasked the Minister of Health whether, in order to provide 534 work for the unemployed, he will consider comprehensive plans for the supply of pure drinking water to every town, village and hamlet in the United Kingdom, including the linking up of existing supplies by the creation of a water grid?
Sir H. YOUNGI am always ready to entertain applications for sanction to loans for schemes of water supply which are remunerative or needed on public health grounds. As at present advised, I am not of opinion that the creation of a water grid as suggested, even if feasible on engineering grounds, would be economical. The most practical procedure is the formation of advisory regional water committees, systematically to survey needs and resources, and to formulate programmes for meeting the needs in the most effective and economical way.
§ Mr. LEVYCan I ask the right hon. Gentleman if I am to understand from the first part of the question that there is no intention of seeing that these localities are provided with proper water supply, unless and until the supply is absolutely going wrong?
Sir H. YOUNGNo, Sir. If the hon. Member will consider my answer, he will see that I refer to the fact that schemes for water supply should be either remunerative or needed on public health grounds.