§ 37. Mr. LOUIS SMITHasked the Minister of Health how many schemes for improving rural water supplies are to be undertaken during the current year; what is the approximate cost of these schemes; and whether he can provide a list of those schemes which are being held up through the inability of the promoters to obtain sufficient financial assistance from the Government?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)It is estimated that schemes for 1,200 parishes at a total cost of about £3,500,000 will be undertaken during the current year. My right hon. Friend is not aware of any scheme which is being held up for the reason stated.
§ Mr. SMITHMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he realises that should we have a dry summer and autumn, as last year, there will still be many villages without a supply of pure water?
§ Sir PARK GOFFMay I ask how the capital value of those works compares with the figure of previous years?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREIn answer to the first supplementary question, every local authority in a rural district has had the right to apply to us for financial assistance, and, if it has not done so, we cannot be held responsible. As regards the second question, the figure of capital works in rural districts will be very nearly four times the record figure in any postwar year.
§ Mr. CHORLTONMay I ask what contribution the Ministry are making—not the total cost of the schemes?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThe individual contribution varies in each case. About a half of the total grant has now been paid.