HC Deb 01 March 1966 vol 725 cc1067-8
1. Mr. Braine

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he is taking to remedy the shortage of water supplies in Essex; and whether he will make a statement.

25. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he is taking to remedy the shortage of water supplies in north-east Essex; and whether he will make a statement.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. James MacColl)

The Essex water undertakers are doing all they can to develop local resources, but the remedy can come only partly from Essex. The Water Resources Board is now concluding an inquiry into water supplies throughout south-east England and will soon put forward recommendations for bringing water to Essex from elsewhere.

Mr. Braine

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the situation in south-east Essex will be grave by 1969 unless a new source of supply is found by 1972? This means that a start must be made now. In view of this, why is it that the water undertakers who have their plans all ready for this new source of supply have been told by the hon. Gentleman's Department to wait until the survey for the South-East is completed? Can the hon Gentleman say when the survey for the South-East will be completed?

Mr. MacColl

I think certainly in time to meet the understandable doubts of the Southend company.

Mr. Ridsdale

Will the hon. Gentleman give all the support he can to the Tendring Hundred Water Company and the other local authorities in the plan they have brought out which should go a long way towards meeting the requirements in north-east Essex?

Mr. MacColl

The Water Resources Board and river authority will look at all the schemes.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Will the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that proposals to take water for north-east Essex from the county of west Suffolk is causing acute concern among farmers who are already paying a very high price for their water?

Mr. MacColl

That is why we have to have something like the Water Resources Board to arbitrate between the conflicting claims.