§ 68. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the recently issued Report by the National Federation of Women's Institutes on Water and Sewerage Survey in Villages; and what steps are being taken to remedy the dangerous conditions that the Report exposes.
§ Mr. WillinkYes, Sir. I have received a copy of the summary of information to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. It is the fact that water supplies and sanitation in a number of rural areas are in need of improvement. It is with the object of securing such improvements after the war is won, and in particular the further extension of the amenity of piped water, that the Rural Water Supplies and Sewerage Bill was introduced, and passed, as part of the general scheme of post-war reconstruction.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishDoes the Minister agree that if the conditions exposed by this report existed in London or other towns, or in many villages, there would be very serious trouble indeed? Can he not hold out a better hope that immediate steps will be taken to put this matter right than he has indicated?
§ Mr. WillinkIt is difficult to hold out hopes of immediate steps in the course of the war. As I am sure my hon. and 1131 gallant Friend will recollect, the first Bill I had the honour of introducing was the Bill to which I have referred.
§ Mr. LevyIs not the right hon. and learned Gentleman playing with words when he says that the quality of the water requires improvement whereas this water is dangerous? Ought not more active steps to be taken to prevent this danger?