HC Deb 23 September 1943 vol 392 cc374-5
42. Mr. Perkins

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied with the water supply in the Dursley rural district; and what steps he has taken to improve the situation?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)

A scheme for the utilisation of an additional source to remedy the recent deterioration in the water supply position in this area has been put forward by the Dursley Rural District Council, which is the responsible local authority. It has received my approval, has been given all necessary priorities and is now being carried out. I am advised by the local authority that the pipeline is virtually complete, that all other components are on the site and that it is expected that the scheme will be operation in a few days time. The water will be chlorinated before being put into supply, and regular tests will be made.

83. Sir W. Davison

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in surveying the water resources of the country, so that full information may be available in connection with the selection of sites for new towns and the making of any necessary changes in the location of industries?

Mr. Brown

Information as to the availability of water supplies from public undertakings is readily obtainable by industrialists and other prospective consumers from the undertakers themselves. There is close liaison between my Department and other Departments including the Ministry of Town and Country Planning who consult my Department as requisite. The work of the Inland Water Survey, which consists of recording, collecting and publishing measurements of flow of rivers and, in conjunction with the Geological Survey, estimates of yield of underground services, has been generally suspended during the war as the central and local personnel concerned have necessarily been engaged on work more closely related to the prosecution of the war. This work, which must be on a long-term basis, is of great value and I hope that it will be possible to develop it on a larger scale when conditions are more favourable.

Sir W. Davison

What has happened to the several reports by the Central Advisory Water Committee, the Water Pollution Research Board and the Inland Water Survey Committee? Is it not desirable that the reports of these Committees should be co-ordinated so that the public could have some general information on the matter?

Mr. Brown

If my hon. Friend will look at the Report recently presented by Lord Milne, he will find that a great deal of that information is there. If he wants more, I shall be glad to furnish it.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Is the Minister satisfied that his Department is the best Department to deal with the water supply?

Mr. Brown

I have no doubt about it.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that the suggested water undertakings to be created will be under municipal or national ownership?

Mr. Brown

I could give no pledge about that, but the issues involved in the Milne Report will come before Parliament in due course.