44. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Minister of Health whether it is made a condition for a Government grant for a rural water-supply scheme that the county council concerned should contribute?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREIt is not an absolute condition, though exceptional circumstances will be required to justify a grant without a contribution from the county council.
Captain CROOKSHANKIf it is not an absolute condition, how can the Minister enforce it? The Act says nothing about it.
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREWhat the Minister said was that it was only right that the county council should make a reasonable contribution, and the onus was on them of showing why they should not do so.
Captain CROOKSHANKIf the county council does not think so, are the unfortunate local authorities not to get a water supply at all?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThe question has only been raised by a county council in one case; in every other case the council has willingly made its fair contribution.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question on the Paper.
60. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Minister of Health how many grants have been made in aid of rural water supply schemes as a result of the recent Act; and on what basis were such Government grants made?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEARESchemes for 23 parishes, estimated to cost over £100,000, have been approved for grant. The grant 28 in each case has been decided after considering the burden which would fall on the local ratepayers without a grant and the level of the local rates.
Captain CROOKSHANKDoes the Parliamentary Secretary realise that, if 23 parishes cost £100,000, £1,000,000 will not go very far to supply all the needs, more particularly those of Lincolnshire?