§ 35. Mr. Sidney Shephardasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that hindrance to housing development in the Bingham rural district is being caused by the unwillingness of the Nottingham Corporation to afford a supply of water; and if, without prejudice to the result of cur- 1272 rent negotiations between the two authorities, he will take steps to accelerate the provision of this water supply.
§ Mr. BevanI am aware that the corporation and the rural district council are in dispute as to the terms on which the corporation can be required to provide piped water supplies in certain areas. I have, however, drawn the attention of both authorities to the provisions of Section 37 of the Water Act, 1945, which, I am advised, specifies the terms on which supplies can be required to be given for new housing development.
§ Mr. ShephardIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Department wrote to Nottingham Corporation and suggested that they should carry out this work without prejudice to any subsequent negotiations, and that the Town Clerk of Nottingham is not prepared to accede to that suggestion?
§ Mr. BevanIt very often happens that the Ministry urges expedition on people who are not prepared to co-operate. However, I will find out about it.