§ 46. Mr. Woodburnasked the Prime Minister whether he will institute a survey to prepare estimates of the probable housing and factory development in coming years with the consequently increasing demands for electricity, water and other services and to ensure that these are foreseen and provided for in step with demand.
§ The Prime MinisterI have considered the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion. However, it is the practice for the authorities responsible for providing these services to make their own estimates; and I do not think that a separate survey of the kind proposed by the right hon. Gentleman would be helpful.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the Prime Minister aware that civil engineers who have been studying this matter are apprehensive about future prospects unless water is saved by re-use in industry and not allowed to run to waste as fresh water? There is a great danger that if provision is not made in time a drought may bring disaster upon certain of our industries and our agriculture.
§ The Prime MinisterI am quite ready to receive any representations which the right hon. Gentleman has to make. I have made inquiries, and I am told that in Scotland—which I understand he has particularly in mind—all the water undertakings are local authorities or combinations of local authorities, and we must presume that they are aware of the implications of the proposals for development in their areas.