HC Deb 19 May 1938 vol 336 cc577-9
52. Mr. Short

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, owing to the drought, many farmers find it difficult to supply water for their cattle; and whether, as certain water undertakings decline to supply them where available from their mains at normal cost, he will take the matter up with such under takings?

Mr. Elliot

If the hon. Member will let me know which undertakings he has in mind I shall be glad to take the matter up with them.

53. Mr. Chorlton

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet completed the division of the country into regional water committees; and whether he has issued any instructions to such committees to see that a duplicate source of supply was provided in all cases?

Mr. Elliot

I am advised that these committees are of most value where there is close community of interest between adjacent urban aggregations. The committees are advisory only, their functions being to ascertain future needs in the regions and to advise the water undertakers on the best method of meeting them. Nine such committees have been formed covering a population of 14,000,000.

Mr. Chorlton

With the increased difficulties with regard to air-raid precautions, is it not important that the setting up of these regional committees should be completed?

54. Mr. Chorlton

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet ascertained whether the map showing the aqueducts of all water undertakings has yet been completed in order to accelerate the provision of duplicate sources of supply?

Mr. Elliot

I am not clear what my hon. Friend has in mind. Plans of the aqueducts of water undertakings are of course available, but as far as I am aware undertakers do not propose to duplicate sources of supply generally.

Mr. Chorlton

Owing to the increased danger arising from fire, is it not essential that a duplicate supply should be provided?

Mr. Elliot

The matter of air-raid precautions falls under the purview of the Home Office.

60. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Health whether all the recommendations contained in the Joint Report of the Select Committee, 1936, on the reorganisation of the water supplies of the country have yet been put into effect?

Mr. Elliot

In pursuance of the recommendations of the Select Committee, a Central Advisory Water Committee, representative of all interested bodies, was set up in March, 1937, to advise the Government Departments on matters relating to the conservation and allocation of water resources and on any legislative measures required.

Miss Ward

That is hardly the question I asked. I asked whether any recommendation had been put into effect?

Mr. Elliot

There are only two recommendations; one to set up this Committee, and the other that advisory committees should include representatives of catchment boards and other interests. That is under the consideration of the central body.

Miss Ward

Will that decision be taken soon?

Mr. Elliot

I hope the decision will be taken soon.