§ 20. Sir Francis Fremantleasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, in a camp now being prepared 502 for troops in the home counties, it is proposed to discharge the sewage effluent direct by three boreholes in the chalk from which the water supply for the area is derived; why this proposal, which is opposed to modern sanitary engineering practice, has been proposed by officers in the Service; and whether he will ensure that no such proposals are contemplated under his authority in future?
§ Sir J. GriggIn the case of which my hon. Friend has sent me details the chief engineer of the Command discussed the proposal with the local authorities. They at first agreed to it, but on reconsideration objected, and the proposal was therefore abandoned. Existing instructions on this subject enjoin special care where borings are made in chalk and lay down that, in cases of doubt, officers concerned should work in liaison with local health officers and municipal engineers.
§ Sir F. FremantleIs it not advisable that this agreement should be come to not only with the local authorities, but with the water company; and should this proposal have entered the mind of any engineer possessed of modern sanitary experience?
§ Sir J. GriggI will consider the point.