HC Deb 04 May 1933 vol 277 cc990-1
18. Mr. CHORLTON

asked the Minister of Health if he will report the progress made in regional water control and inter-connection of supplies, with the object of remedying suspect and inadequate supplies in certain areas?

Sir H. YOUNG

Regional water committees have already been formed for South-West Lancashire (22 authorities), West Riding of Yorkshire (142 authorities), Sherwood Area of Nottinghamshire (24 authorities), Isle of Wight (11 authorities), Holland, Lincolnshire (12 authorities) and South Buckinghamshire (6 authorities), and the Central Advisory Water Committee is now considering where others should be formed. With the supplies of water already available for populated areas, it is not likely that many large new schemes will be required in the immediate future. Rural supplies present the greatest difficulty, and I am issuing a circular on them in the course of the next few days.

Mr. CHORLTON

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the present scarcity in the water supply of the district of Denby Dale and also of the proposal, since turned down, for Bradford to supply Kingston-upon-Hull to obviate the need for the new supply now being applied for in respect of that town?

Sir H. YOUNG

Yes, Sir. I am in touch with these cases, but if my hon. Friend wants to make any special representations, I shall be very happy to consider them.

Mr. D. GRENFELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether, in addition to negotiating with the local authorities, he will make financial provision to enable the local authorities who lack financial resources, to provide these water supplies?

Sir H. YOUNG

It would be better if the hon. Member would await the Circular which I am about to issue.

Mr. LEVY

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the power that his Ministry now possesses is sufficient to enable him to deal adequately with these water supplies, or does he not think that he ought to apply to Parliament for fresh legislation to give him the necessary power to deal with this urgent matter?

Sir H. YOUNG

No, Sir. I am of opinion that the existing powers are adequate if they are properly put into force.