HC Deb 26 March 1963 vol 674 c1099
10. Mr. Loughlin

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what special steps will be taken to avert the possibility of a drought or shortage of water in the summer months of 1963.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. F. V. Corfield)

It is still too early to say what the prospects for next summer are likely to be. My right hon. Friend is keeping a close watch on the position in consultation with the statutory water undertakers.

Mr. Loughlin

Does not the Minister live in this world? Is he not aware that one local authority after another has given warning that there is great danger of a shortage of water in the summer months? This attitude of the Minister, putting his head in the sand, will not avert a crisis. His Government have had 12 years to do something about it, but apparently they do not seem to be doing anything.

Mr. Corfield

The hon. Member asks what steps have been taken to avert the possibility of a drought—

Mr. Loughlin

No—a shortage of water.

Mr. Corfield

If the hon. Member thinks that my right hon. Friend can do that, it is he who is not living in this world.