§ 40. Mr. LEVYasked the Minister of Health what progress has been made with the survey of the water resources of the country; and how long the survey will take?
Sir H. YOUNGI would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by the Parliamentary Secretary during the Debate on the Easter Adjournment.
§ 41. Mr. LEVYasked the Minister of Health how much of the Treasury provision for grants in aid of water supply schemes has been expended; and what is the total expenditure on new water supply schemes since this provision was made?
Sir H. YOUNGThe amount of grant provisionally allocated is now £528,000 in respect of schemes of a total capital cost of £3,320,000. It is not possible to state the total expenditure on water supply schemes since the Act providing the grant was passed in March, 1934, but during this period the loans for such schemes sanctioned by me or by Parliament in local Acts amount to £4,370,000, including £1,400,000 for rural water schemes.
§ Mr. LEVYIn view of the warning already given by water undertakers, including the Metropolitan Water Board, as to a water shortage this summer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is really satisfied that he is doing all that can be done to avoid or alleviate a water shortage and its consequences?
Sir H. YOUNGMy reply to that question is a suggestion that there is no apprehension of a water shortage this summer.