RURAL WATER SUPPLIES. (Hansard, 15 February 1934)

HC Deb 15 February 1934 vol 285 cc2083-4 2083

27. Captain WATT
asked the Minister of Health what recent representations have been made to his Department from rural districts regarding the shortage of water, and from what districts; and will he state whether it is the intention of the Government to take any emergency measures over and above those included in the proposed legislation for improving rural water supplies?

Sir H. YOUNG
Since 1st October last, 32 representations from rural districts regarding the shortage of water have been received, of which 17 were made this year. With permission, I will circulate details in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am about to issue a circular to local authorities regarding the temporary emergency measures to be taken especially in urban areas in the event of a prolongation of the drought. The essential need in rural areas is for permanent measures, the provision of which will be assisted by the Bill now before Parliament.

§ Mr. D. GRENFELL
Has the Minister taken any action to stimulate the formation of regional water boards; and has he given instructions to those boards, where they have been set up, to take in hand this problem of organisation in their areas?

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Sir H. YOUNG
It is constantly present to the minds of the expert staff of the Ministry of Health that a very useful purpose may be served, on appropriate occasions, by the establishment of such regional water committees.

§ Mr. CHORLTON
Do not the regional committees referred to fail in their object because they have no power to enforce their decisions?

Sir H. YOUNG
No. Sir; I could not possibly agree to that description of the state of affairs. I think that the formation of regional committees has in every case very greatly assisted the proper development of local water supplies.

§ Mr. GRENFELL
Does the right hon. Gentleman issue instructions or directions to the regional boards that they shall take up this task of organisation?

Sir H. YOUNG
No, Sir; it would not be my function to give them instructions.

§ Following are the details:

County and Rural District (and Parishes). Berkshire—^*Bradfield (Beenham, Bucklebury and Burghfield); Wantage (East Challow and ^*Denchworth). Buckinghamshire—^*Aylesbury (Kingsey); ^*Wycombe (Bledlow, Hughenden and Princes Risborough). Cambridgeshire—Linton (Horseheath and Shudy Camps). Chester—^*Nantwich (Bickerton); ^*Tarvin (Broxton and Burwardsley). Derbyshire—Glossop Dale (Ludworth). Essex—^*Lexden and Winstree (Great Horkesley and Layer Breton). Gloucestershire—^*Campden (Lower Quinton). Lincolnshire (Lindsey)—^*Louth (Swaby); ^*Welton (Faldingworth and Friesthorpe); ^*Spilsby (Candlesby). Oxfordshire—^*Banbury (Barford St. John); ^*Bullingdon (Water Perry); ^*Chipping Norton (Wootton and other places); ^*Witney (Bampton, Brize Norton and North Leigh). Southampton—^*Alton (Selborne); Andover (Vernhams' Dean); Droxford; Petersfield (Froxfield). Surrey—Godstone (Copthorne in the Parish of Burstow). Sussex (East)—Eastbourne (Alfriston); Tice-burst; Uckfield (Buxted). Sussex (West)—Chichester; Horsham (Horsham Rural); Midhurst (Harting Village). Wiltshire—^*Warminster (Upton Scudamore). Warwickshire—^*Rugby (Willoughby). Worcestershire—Evesham (Beckford). Yorkshire (East Riding)—Bridlington. ^* Representations made since the 1st January, 1934.