§ 3. Mr. Donnerasked the Minister of Transport whether he has been consulted by the Metropolitan Water Board regarding the proposed flooding of the Enborne 6 Valley in order to create a nine square mile reservoir, in view of the serious interruption of communications involved unless long and costly road-viaducts are to be constructed.
§ Mr. BarnesNo, Sir, but, as my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health stated on 10th June in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd), all relevant factors will be considered before a decision is taken.
§ Mr. DonnerWill not the Minister be consulted, bearing in mind the extraordinary inconvenience to which not only local residents, but all travellers coming from the South, and from Newbury and Reading, will be put if the scheme goes through?
§ Mr. BarnesThe hon. Gentleman can rest content that if roads are involved, as they are, I shall be consulted.
§ Mr. HurdWill not the Minister get in touch with his two Cabinet colleagues, the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Health, to arrange that a proper public inquiry is made into alternative methods?
§ Mr. BarnesThat question should be directed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.