HC Deb 11 May 1944 vol 399 cc2088-9
58. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister without Portfolio what steps are being taken, or are plans being prepared to widen and deepen our rivers and waterways to avoid floods, where practicable to harness the water for hydro-electric power production, to eliminate pit and slag heaps by utilising the material in many forms, tidying up all industrial centres as a contribution to post-war efficiency.

Sir W. Jowitt

Responsibility for the improvement of waterways and for land drainage at present rests upon catchment boards and other drainage authorities to which Government grants are available. It is proposed, as my hon. Friend is aware, to constitute River Boards, one of whose primary duties will be to attend to such matters. In regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given him by the Minister of Fuel and Power on 2nd instant. The other matters are kept under review by the Departments concerned.

Mr. Smith

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that all people who visit this country greatly admire Britain as a whole but are very critical of industrial centres; and can he state that the Government are conscious that the tidying up of industrial centres is a matter of urgency as a contribution to post-war reconstruction?

Sir W. Jowitt

That is one of the matters receiving the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Town and Country Planning.

Mr. Smith

Has not the time arrived when, instead of only answering that this is being given consideration, the House should be assured that, in regard to planning, this matter can be put into operation immediately hostilities terminate?

Sir W. Jowitt

That question should be addressed to my right hon. and learned Friend.