32. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware that analysts' reports, officially obtained by the Whiston Rural District Council, show that the water supplied for use in Knowsley, Lancashire, is unfit for human consumption; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI have received no information to this effect from the Council or otherwise. But I understand that a small number of houses in Knowsley are supplied with water through old pipes which tend to cause discoloration, and that the Council is now considering new arrangements.
Mr. WilsonIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the trouble is that this is compensation water, supplied by a neighbouring local authority? It looks as if it will be a long time before anything can be put right. Will he arrange for the local authorities concerned to be called together to see if the matter can be speeded up?
§ Mr. BrookeI will certainly use my good offices, if necessary, but such information as I have leads me to think that the rural district council is pursuing this matter, and is in touch with the other authorities concerned.
§ Mr. SpriggsWill the right hon. Gentleman state which local authority is responsible for the supply of water?
§ Mr. BrookeThe Liverpool City Council is the statutory water undertaker for the whole of the rural district, but I understand there are a few houses which, under an old arrangement, are supplied from elsewhere.