§ 8. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he has taken since he took office to improve, extend, co-ordinate and cheapen piped water supplies in Britain.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanThis also is a large question which can hardly be dealt with within the limits of Parliamentary Question and answer. The matters to which the hon. Member refers are constantly in my mind, and since I took office I have authorised new works on the provision of 625 piped water supplies in England and Wales to the extent of about £24 million. I am not responsible for Scotland.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs not the Minister concerned about the fact that 38 water boards and companies have increased their charges during the last 18 months, and that the average increase is about 30 per cent.? What are the views of the right hon. Gentleman about the general rise in water charges now going on and the maldistribution of water supplies in that some areas get more than enough and others not enough?
§ Mr. MacmillanThese schemes will be pressed on with. But I must remind the House that in my period of office we have proceeded at least at an equal rate, and in fact at a greater rate than during previous years.