HC Deb 20 July 1936 vol 315 cc29-30
55. Sir RICHARD MELLER

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the recent pollution of the water supply in the districts of Carshalton, Beddington and Wallington, as the result of which hundreds of persons have been seriously affected; whether he will set up an inquiry as to the cause of the infection and why, when it was ascertained by the water company that the water was unfit for human consumption, no notice was given to the inhabitants of the districts; and whether he is satisfied that the methods at present adopted to secure a pure water supply are efficient?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)

The replies to the first and third parts of the question are in the affirmative. As regards the second part, officers of my Department have been in close touch with the situation, and my right hon. Friend does not at present think any more formal inquiry necessary. The supply from the contaminated source was cut off as soon as the contamination was suspected, and, it is understood, no notice to the consumers could have been given in time to be effective.

Sir R. MELLER

Is the Minister aware that the water company knew of the existence of this pollution of the water on Wednesday, and on the following Saturday declared that the water was fit for use, in spite of the fact that it was proved by examination and analysis that the water was still impure; does he know that there is a strong feeling that the primary cause of this pollution is defective drainage and will he, therefore, cause exhaustive inquiry to be made into the whole matter? Further, is he satisfied with the hush-hush policy of the water company and the local authority?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

This was a very regrettable occurrence. Perhaps my hon. Friend will get into touch with my Department and give them the information which he has.

Sir R. MELLER

Is the Minister aware that all the information has been supplied by the local authority, and that newspaper reports have been sent, and that this is a matter in which no less than 5,000 people have been affected as can be proved by the medical evidence; further, that this is a very serious matter, which cannot be glossed over in such a light manner?