HC Deb 05 July 1962 vol 662 cc684-5
24. Mr. Hale

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what reply he has now sent to the letters from the Oldham Borough Corporation, initiated in 1960, asking for consideration of special local grants for increasing and improving the local water supply.

Mr. Rippon

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the suggestion that local authorities should be empowered to contribute towards the cost of installing separate service pipes in place of pipes common to several dwellings. My right hon. Friend has told the Corporation that he would consider this but that he could not say when an opportunity for legislation would occur.

Mr. Hale

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that apparently the Minister has been considering it for eighteen months? This is an important matter, and this town has a terrible backlog of improvements which are essential in the public interest. When he considers the matter, will he also consider the question of the present situation of the Oldham water in respect of which he told me the other day that he did not know whether it was radioactive or not? In view of some public apprehension caused by the question of radioactivity having been referred to a private meeting of the corporation, would he obtain and publish the information?

Mr. Rippon

The radioactivity of the water is another matter. We may be able to deal with the subject mentioned in the Question in the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, but I must point out that the local authority associations themselves are not altogether convinced of the necessity for legislation.