§ 34. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what representations he has received from the Uxbridge Borough Council and other local authorities about the hardness of water supplied by the Rickmansworth and Uxbridge Valley Water Company, and the refusal of this company to discuss the problem with the local authorities concerned; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BevinsMy right hon. Friend has had letters from the Uxbridge Borough Council and the Yiewsley and West Drayton Urban District Council, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of his reply. The matters at issue are primarily for the company, but it is only fair to say that my right hon. Friend understands that the water it supplies is not exceptionally hard. In present financial conditions he could not give his encouragement to the company incurring heavy expenditure on the installation of softening plant.
§ Mr. BeswickDoes not the hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friend believe that this company's action in refusing to discuss the matter with the local authorities concerned is very high-handed and is to be deprecated? Could he encourage, or use his influence with, the company concerned at least to get it to listen to the local authorities and discuss the matter with them?
§ Mr. BevinsI do not know whether there was any refusal to discuss the matter. If that is the case, I will certainly do what I can to help the councils. I understand that there was general agreement between the local government bodies and the company that the latter would not be pressed to install a water softening plant.