§ 21. Mr. LEVY (for Mr. CHORLTON)asked the Minister of Health if he will seek legislative powers to enable him to compel an authority which has an excess in its water supply to make that excess available for, or put it at the service of, other districts where a scarcity exists?
Sir H. YOUNGExperience indicates that there is not a sufficient case for 1688 further legislative powers. Where an authority has a real surplus of water, it is usually glad to find customers. Where difficulties occur I am glad to use my good offices.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLCan the right hon. Gentleman inform the House of the number of rural areas which have made application and are unable to carry on without financial assistance from the Treasury or some other source?
§ Mr. LEVYWhat action does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take to alleviate the scarcity of water in these districts?
Sir H. YOUNGThat is a general question the best answer to which is the recent Debate on the subject.
§ 22. Mr. LEVY (for Mr. CHORLTON)asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the scarcity of water in the Denby Dale district; and what steps he proposes to take to see that a supply is made available from the aqueduct of a neighbouring authority?
Sir H. YOUNGI am aware of the conditions here, and I am in communication with the local council who are at present actively negotiating for a supply of water from the aqueduct of a neighbouring authority.
§ Mr. GLOSSOPIs it not a fact that ever since the recent epidemic at Denby Dale, the local authority arid the Minister of Health have been in close co-operation?
Sir H. YOUNGYes. Serious and very active measures are in process of elaboration between the local authority and the Minister of Health.
§ Mr. LEVYWill the right hon. Gentleman assure us that he realises the gravity of epidemics arising out of water which is of doubtful purity?
Sir H. YOUNGI really think no assurance is necessary from the Minister of Health that he realises the gravity of epidemics of the sort.