§ 41. Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he has yet had time to consider the regional water scheme which was prepared by the Ripon and Pateley Bridge Rural District Council over a year ago; what difficulties have been encountered; and whether there is now a prospect of this or an amended scheme being carried out.
§ Mr. DaltonI am waiting to hear from the Council whether they can acquire the land by agreement. As soon as I receive this information, I will hold a local inquiry.
§ Colonel Stoddart-ScottAs this area provides much of the catchment area for the cities of both Leeds and Bradford, contains the reservoirs for these two cities and has an ample water supply, will the right hon. Gentleman see that there is no further delay in ensuring that piped water goes to the villages in the area of these local authorities? The information to which the Minister has referred has already been sent to his Department.
§ Mr. DaltonThe delay is not with me but with the local authority. There have been difficulties in negotiating certain sales of land with Lord Mountgarret. I hope that this has now been overcome and that we can get on.