§ 21. Mr. SUMMERSBYasked the Minister of Health whether, to avoid compel ling people to stint themselves in the use of water at a time when its use is most desirable in future summers, he will take steps for the building of additional reservoirs to store the water usually available for storage during the winter and wet periods?
Sir H. YOUNGLarge economies in water consumption can be and are being secured without any serious hardship. With very few exceptions, the capacity of storage reservoirs is ample even for dry summers, but storage sufficient to provide unstinted supplies during so exceptional a drought as the present would be very costly and involve a large permanent increase in the price of water, or a heavy deficiency to be met out of the rates.
§ Mr. SUMMERSBYDoes the right hon. Gentleman remember that for the last three summers people have had to go without water for their gardens and other purposes?
Sir H. YOUNGNo, Sir. I do not think that that statement of the case is really at all in accordance with the fact.
§ Sir P. HARRISIs not the Water Board going to build reservoirs in spite of the fact that the supply is adequate?
Sir H. YOUNGIf the hon. Member refers to the Metropolitan Water Board, it is the case that it is now, as at all times, engaged in providing for the growing needs of. London.