§ 63 and 64. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) what investigation is being made into means of enabling water used in industry to be re-used to the maximum extent, with a view to avoiding the present and increasing drain on our water resources by industrial users;
(2) what study is being given to the problem created by the continually increasing quantities of water which are being used both by domestic and industrial users; and what measures are contemplated for increasing the national storage capacity and also for bringing about some economy in the quantity of water used.
§ Mr. PowellI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond) on 5th June.
§ Sir F. MedlicottWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that the increase in the amount of water used by industry is so enormous that unless there can be some economy, no increase that can be foreseen in the conservation of water will meet the problem? Will he also bear in mind, in regard to our natural water resources, that London alone is drawing no less than 260 million gallons of water 244 a day from them, and that these natural resources are being diminished at a rather disturbing rate?
§ Mr. PowellThese matters are within the extensive terms of reference within which the Central Advisory Water Committee is working, as my right hon. Friend said.