HC Deb 09 December 1943 vol 395 cc1130-1
49. Mr. Glenvil Hall

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the village of Yelling, Huntingdonshire, is entirely without water, as a result of which agriculture has suffered and the yield of milk diminished; and whether he will consider the possibility of piping water from the nearest river in order to assist local farmers during the present emergency?

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

I am aware that there is a shortage of water at Yelling, Huntingdonshire, and schemes for alleviating the position are under consideration.

Mr. Hall

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman what those schemes are, and as the position in that area is a scandal could not something be done in view of the fact that large sums are being spent in other directions?

Mr. Hudson

I would point out that Yelling is in no worse position in regard to water supply than a very large number of other areas, including areas in Huntingdonshire. During the war we cannot deal with all of them, but I hope that a scheme for laying on water not only to farms but to villages will be one of the first things we shall tackle when the material and labour are available after the war.