HC Deb 31 May 1960 vol 624 cc1159-60
20. Mr. Collard

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs on what date he approved the provision of piped water to the villages of Deopham and Hack-ford in Norfolk.

Sir K. Joseph

My right hon. Friend approved the scheme for supplying these villages with piped water and authorised the local authority to seek tenders for the work on 26th February.

Mr. Collard

Is my hon. Friend aware that now, at the end of May, the Fore-hoe and Henstead Rural District Council has not even advertised for tenders? Does not he agree that the authority is handling this matter in a very leisurely fashion? I appreciate the many preoccupations of local authorities, but does not my hon. Friend agree that they really must get a move on in these matters once he has given permission for them to go ahead?

Sir K. Joseph

I understand that contract documents are not yet ready, but I am sure that the local authority will get them ready as soon as possible.