HC Deb 02 December 1937 vol 329 cc2242-3
62. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to consider sending notices to the various local authorities throughout the country urging the local authorities to give every assistance and facility for supplies of water to be laid on to the farms, in view of the difficulties experienced by many farmers and the high cost entailed?

The Minister of Health (Sir Kingsley Wood)

In day to day administration local authorities are encouraged to take all practical steps to supply farms with water from their mains on reasonable terms and I have not received any complaints that they are unwilling to do so. If my hon. Friend will send me any cases he has in mind I will further consider the matter.

Mr. De la Bère

Is the Minister aware that there are many local authorities who are not alive to the requirements of the agricultural community?

Sir K. Wood

I shall be glad to take the matter up with my hon. Friend.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that whenever public authorities seek the power to do these things they are opposed by vested interests?

Sir K. Wood

That is another matter.