HC Deb 27 January 1944 vol 396 cc853-4
43. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the threatened shortage of water in the area of London and Greater London; and what steps the Government proposes to take to assist the Water Board's efforts to reduce consumption and increase supplies.

Mr. Willink

I am aware of the position in the area. As regards the second part of the Question, no representations have been made to me by the Metropolitan Water Board for my assistance. I am aware that the Board have already taken steps to appeal to consumers to economise in the use of water, in the hope that they will not find it necessary to impose restrictions on consumption later in the year.

Mr. Morrison

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman appreciate that there are a large number of water authorities in the Metropolitan area besides the Metropolitan Water Board; and is it not a matter in which the Government should take an active part?

Mr. Willink

These authorities are the responsible authorities. I can only help them in various ways if they ask me to do so. They have not asked me.

Mr. Morrison

In view of the difficulty of pursuing this matter by question, I beg to give notice that I shall take another opportunity of raising it.

57. Sir G. Jeffreys

asked the Minister of Health if any steps are being taken to investigate the existence of hitherto unknown or unexploited water supplies in this country; and to increase the conservation of rain-water.

Mr. Willink

In reply to the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies given to the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mrs. Wright) on 7th December and to the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on 23rd September.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Would my right hon. and learned Friend answer the second part of the Question? Further, is he aware that in rural districts where water supplies are scarce rain water which is stored on a large scale is a very effective substitute for modern pumping?

Mr. Willink

I found the second part of my hon. and gallant Friend's Question a little difficult to understand but I have his point in mind and I have given considerable attention in recent weeks to its purport.