§ 19. Mr. Hugh Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has had any recent consultations with 327 the professional bodies concerned regarding the design and inspection of reservoirs; and if it is his intention to include any alterations to the law on this subject in any future legislation relating to water supply.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe Reservoirs (Safety Provisions) Act of 1930 makes it clear that the responsibility for the design and inspection of reservoirs is to rest on the qualified engineers employed for these purposes by the undertakers. The responsibility of the Home Secretary is limited to ensuring that the persons placed on the panels of engineers who can be so employed shall be properly qualified. In exercising this responsibility the Home Secretary is required to consult with the President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, and to act in conjunction with the Minister of Health and the Department of Health for Scotland. If the hon. Member wishes to make representations to me, I shall be glad to consider them: but as at present advised I know of no sufficient case for an amendment of the Act of 1930.