HC Deb 08 June 1967 vol 747 c1260
3. Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will request the Welsh Economic Council to report upon the water resources of Wales.

Mrs. White

This is a matter on which my right hon. Friend looks for advice primarily to the Welsh Committee of the Water Resources Board. My right hon. Friend would, of course, also be glad to consider any views which the Welsh Economic Council may express to him.

Mr. Morgan

In view of the deep divisions of opinion on the subject of water resources in Wales and the fact that the establishment of a Welsh Water Board is declared Labour Party policy, does not my hon. Friend agree that a study of Welsh water resources, with a view to establishing a Welsh Water Board, should be proceeded with forthwith?

Mrs. White

That is another question, as my hon. Friend well knows. The river authorities for Wales are themselves conducting surveys at the moment, and in due course the results will be presented to my right hon. Friend. He will then take the advice of the Welsh Advisory Water Committee and, if necessary, of the Economic Council as well.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

In considering the much vexed question of water conservation in Wales, will the hon. Lady not overlook the importance of underground storage and, in this connection, will she and her right hon. Friend, perhaps, take advice from speleologists with some knowledge on this subject?

Mrs. White

I have no doubt that the Welsh Advisory Water Committee has at its disposal all the scientific advice that it requires.