§ 42. Mr. Mitchisonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what advice on the supply of and demand for water he has received from the Central Advisory Water Committee or from either of its sub-committees; what progress is being made by those subcommittees; and when he expects to receive and publish any report.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI have not yet received advice on these matters from the Committee, as it is awaiting reports from the sub-committees. I understand that considerable progress has been made, but the inquiries are far-reaching and I cannot yet forecast when the reports will be submitted.
§ Mr. MitchisonAnd will the right hon. Gentleman say how he makes up his mind about a shortage of water or demands, say, for water from Wales, failing these reports or any advice?
§ Mr. BrookeWe have a great deal of information in my Department about the water situation, but it will be of value also to have the further advice which this Committee, I hope, through its subcommittees, will be able to furnish in due course.
§ Mr. MitchisonWas not this body set up to advise the right hon. Gentleman on a matter of some urgency? When does he expect to receive a report or to publish it?
§ Mr. BrookeI have said that considerable progress is being made. The matter is in the hands of the subcommittees, but we are not solely dependent on the progress of these subcommittees and on the Advisory Committee for our information about water resources and water demand.