§ 37. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Health if he has now decided to hold a public inquiry before authorising further trial borings at Brimpton in connection with the Metropolitan Water Board's project for flooding the Enborne valley to make a reservoir.
§ Mr. BevanI am arranging for one of my inspectors to hold a local hearing into the application of the Metropolitan Water Board for authority under Section 8 of the Water Act, 1948, to enter on and survey lands in the Parish of Brimpton and to carry out experimental borings for the purpose of ascertaining the nature of the subsoil. The applicants and the owners and occupiers of the land who have objected will be invited to attend and to state their case.
§ Mr. HurdWill some of the public bodies, such as the Council for the Preservation of Rural England, the National Farmers' Union and so on, be allowed to put their point of view?
§ Mr. NicholsonIn regard to what points will the inquiry be empowered to act—to review what aspects of the problem?
§ Mr. BevanAll matters must be taken into account under the statute. I can, of course, express no opinion at all because I am acting in a judicial capacity.