§ 30. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Minister of Health how much of the £1,000,000 grant to assist rural water supply schemes has so far been allocated, not counting any other contribution from county council, rural, or other authority?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThe amount so far allocated is £302,000 for schemes of an estimated capital cost of £2,100,000.
§ Mr. CHORLTONWill my hon. Friend take steps to urge on the development of water supply as this figure is very disappointing having regard to the time that has gone by and the allocation of the £1,000,000?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREIt may be a disappointment to my hon. Friend, but he does not realise what has been going on. In the last 12 years £5,000,000 has been spent on capital works in rural areas and in the last eight months £2,000,000 has been allocated. The progress is extremely satisfactory.
§ Mr. CHORLTONNo.
§ Mr. LEVYWhen will my hon. Friend be in a position to make a statement to the House on the country's water supply, which is so urgently in need of reorganisation?
§ Sir PERCY HURDCan the hon. Member say how many schemes are in progress?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREJust over £600,000 worth of schemes are now being considered in addition to those already approved.