§ 27. Mr. Hiltonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will state the percentage of the rural population whose homes are not connected with mains water supplies, and the number of farms which are not connected with mains water supplies.
§ Mr. CorfieldIt is estimated that about 10 per cent. of the rural population of England and Wales are without a mains water supply. Corresponding information about farms is not at present available.
§ Mr. HiltonWould not the hon. Gentleman agree that a figure of 10 per cent. is far too high? I agree that some local authorities have done pretty well, but is it not the case that others run up against difficulty because of the high interest rate which they have to pay on loans? Would not the hon. Gentleman, in consultation with his right hon. 615 Friend, consider making loans at a low interest rate to local authorities who are prepared to get on with the job?
§ Mr. CorfieldThere are, I think, powers under which help could be given, but I should like further notice of that question. May I again point out that there are certain areas where a non-mains water supply is perfectly adequate, especially on farms. There is a survey on farms being conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and the result will be available.