§ 10. Mr. Loughlinasked 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. LoughlinDoes 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. CorfieldThe hon. Member asks what steps have been taken to avert the possibility of a drought—
§ Mr. LoughlinNo—a shortage of water.
§ Mr. CorfieldIf the hon. Member thinks that my right hon. Friend can do that, it is he who is not living in this world.