HC Deb 27 May 1935 vol 302 cc768-9
Mr. ATTLEE

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Health the extent of the proposed inquiry by a Select Committee into Water Resources and Supplies, and what powers it is proposed to give to the Committee.

Sir H. YOUNG

The law relating to water supplies requires amendment in various particulars, and proposals for this purpose have been made from time to time, including proposals in three reports of the Water Advisory Committee of my Department. It is considered that the most appropriate method of investigating what amendments are desirable is by a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament, who can hear the various interests concerned. The Committee will of course be at liberty to investigate other aspects of the matter which they consider relevant to this purpose. It is proposed that the Committee shall have the usual powers, that is, to hear evidence and to make recommendations.

Mr. ATTLEE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the terms of reference of this committee will be wide enough to enable them to investigate the whole question of water supplies, or whether they are merely to consider certain changes in the law?

Sir H. YOUNG

It is certainly the intention that the committee should not be prevented from making any recommendations or suggestions in connection with the central purpose of their inquiry.

Mr. ATTLEE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the terms of reference will be available?

Sir H. YOUNG

I think that that is rather a matter for consultation through the usual channels. I cannot actually state the date 'at the moment.

Sir FRANCIS FREMANTLE

Will it be within the purview of the Committee to consider questions of drainage and sewerage, which have over and over again been included in recommendations as going with the water supply in similar areas?

Sir H. YOUNG

The first answer to that question must be "No." The specific purpose of the inquiry is to deal with the question of water supplies. But, as my hon. Friend will be the first to know, one cannot consider that question without also giving some consideration to the question of sewerage.