HC Deb 28 February 1934 vol 286 cc1101-2
32. MR. CHORLTON

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the continued water famine, with its ultimate effect on health, industry and employment, he will consider giving special assistance to the Manchester Corporation so as to enable them to complete the Haweswater scheme to the full capacity, in order to provide the additional supply to and render possible a general linking up of the towns and other water authorities in South Lancashire and the districts adjoining?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)

My right hon. Friend has considered the suggestion of my hon. Friend. The Exchequer assistance provided for in the Bill now before the House is to meet the special needs of rural areas and would not be applicable to the case which he has in mind. In any event the full Haweswater scheme could not be carried out for some considerable time nor, according to my right hon. Friend's present advice, does it appear that the use of the scheme which my hon. Friend proposes would be the best method of meeting the problem to which he refers.

Mr. CHORLTON

Why cannot help be given apart from the Bill to give assistance to rural water supplies that is now going through the House? Can the hon. Gentleman tell me why this supply cannot be used for that area, and what other scheme would meet it better?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

The short answer is that the boroughs in South Lancashire can get water at a cheaper rate than they could if this scheme were completed.

Mr. CHORLTON

These particular boroughs have not got water. That is the reason for this scheme, and in the meantime Liverpool has to take water from the Manchester reservoir.

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

In view of the ample supply of water in the Lake district and the fact that several towns on the way from the Lakes to Manchester have suffered from the recent drought, is it not possible for the Minister to take some action so that an ample supply will come to the towns there?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

There is no point in bringing water at such a high rate that nobody can afford it.