HC Deb 19 June 1956 vol 554 cc1227-8
32. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what schemes have been proposed to his Department regarding water supply and a sewerage system for the village of Radcliffe, Northumberland; and what action he is taking in this matter.

Mr. Powell

A water supply scheme submitted by the adjoining Urban District of Amble includes a proposal for supplying the village of Radcliffe. My right hon. Friend has asked the council for further information. When this is received, a detailed investigation will be made. No proposal for a sewerage scheme for Radcliffe is before him.

Mr. Johnson

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask him whether he agrees that it would be a scandal for a village like this, with hundreds of miners' families, containing chapels, schools, co-op stores, a bus service and the like, to be allowed to decay? Further, would not it be more scandalous still if those people were moved, like the Poles, as I understand they are to be, to the adjoining town of Amble, when they live in the village, were born there, and many of them hope to live there until they die?

Mr. Powell

The hon. Gentleman has raised matters in his supplementary question quite different from those in the main Question. As I have said, my right hon. Friend is waiting to investigate the details of the water scheme.