HC Deb 30 June 1949 vol 466 cc1517-8

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Sir RALPH GLYN:

69. To ask the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the present rate of flow of the Thames over Teddington Weir; whether it is intended to take any steps to restrict the consumption of water in the metropolitan area; what is the average daily and weekly consumption; and how these figures compare with 1937.

At the end of Questions—

Mr. Bevan

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, and the permission of the House, I would like to answer Question No. 69.

Yes, Sir. The position calls for economy and I understand that the Board propose restrictions at an early date if the present dry weather continues. The average daily consumption in the Board's area of supply for the year ending 31st March, 1949, was 323 million gallons as compared with 306 million gallons for the year ending 31st March, 1938. Figures of average weekly consumption are not separately available.

Sir R. Glyn

Do the figures quoted by the right hon. Gentleman mean that the flow of the Thames today is less than half the normal flow at this time of the year and, as a result of that, do the Metropolitan Water Board propose restrictions on the consumption of water in London? May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will consider imposing restrictions on people bathing in the tidal waters owing to the inadequacy of the flushing from fresh water to prevent the flow of sewage up and down the Thames on the tide level?

Mr. Bevan

I will certainly inquire into the practicability of doing that. Of course, it is very difficult to prevent people bathing even in dirty water in very hot weather. It would not be a very popular thing to attempt to do so. I know there are some conditions in which children ought to be prevented from bathing, especially where the water is noxious, as it is likely to become when the volume falls. There has been a very rapid fall in the flow of water over Teddington Weir and I and the Minister of Transport will make a joint Order this week enabling the Board to reduce the flow. The flow on 27th June was 290 million gallons as compared with the standard daily average for the past 35 years of 819 million gallons, so the House will begin to realise that the drought is having a very unfortunate effect on the supply of domestic water. I take the opportunity of appealing to all water users throughout the country, particularly in the London area, to exercise the utmost economy.

Mr. Tolley

Would my right hon. Friend consider approaching the Prime Minister with a view to setting up a Royal Commission to go into the whole question of water conservation?

Mr. Bevan

The party to which my hon. Friend and I belong have already made up their minds as to what it is necessary to do with the water supply.