§ 43. Mr. Macdonaldasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to set a limit to the length of supply pipe for which householders are now responsible under the terms of the Metropolitan Water Board Act, 1932.
§ Mr. CrossmanI am not aware that the present law needs amendment in this respect. But I will be happy to look at any evidence my hon. Friend would like me to consider.
§ Mr. MacdonaldI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, but is he aware that the law provides that the householder is responsible for the pipe up to the stock-cock no matter how long that may be, so that if a leak is suspected the wretched householder may be personally responsible for digging up 50 or 1580 perhaps 75 yards of the public highway? Does my right hon. Friend think that this is reasonable?
§ Mr. CrossmanI am aware of this problem and the responsibility which is put on householders, and I shall certainly consider it.