HC Deb 07 March 1955 vol 538 cc7-8
8. Mr. Warbey

asked the Minister of Health why he permits flushing valves to be used at St. Thomas's Hospital, contrary to the regulations of the Metropolitan Water Board.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I am ready to ask the hospital board to replace any of these valves that contravene the relevant byelaw.

Mr. Warbey

Will the Minister confirm that these flushing valves arethoroughly efficient devices? Can he say what steps his Department can take to protect private citizens who are threatened with withdrawal of their water supplies by the Metropolitan Water Board if they do not replace the valves by cisterns?

Mr. Macleod

I am not sure that I do not have a personal interest in this, because the Metropolitan Water Board discovered that I have one of these in my house. Officials asked me to remove it. I did. I am a law-abiding citizen and a law-abiding Minister. This byelaw exists, and in the hospitals I must do my best to carry it out.