§ 8. Mr. Goronwy Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is aware of the repeated failure of the water supply in parts of Caernarvonshire, particularly the parish of Llanwnda; and if he will institute an immediate inquiry into the causes and the measures needed to ensure the supply.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattEngineers from the Welsh Office have been in constant touch with the Eryri Water Board to monitor the position in this area and give advice as necessary.
§ Mr. RobertsIs the hon. Gentleman aware that these frequent shortages are having a most serious effect on homes, farms and workplaces in this district, and that especially at the height of the tourist season, which is the present situation, there may be acute danger to health? Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that the appropriate authority has a twofold statutory duty, namely to prepare the long-term plan which is proceeding and to ensure the day-to-day supply of this vital necessity for everybody within its territory? As the Secretary of State and his hon. Friend have a ministerial responsibility for this, will he not himself institute a special inquiry into the situation in this district? I can assure him that the position is rapidly becoming intolerable.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI accept what the right hon. Gentleman says, that this is a very severe problem in the parish of Llanwnda. I am sure that what he has said will be read and registered by the water board itself. I cannot say that I am yet convinced that there is a need for an inquiry. However, I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that there is a plumbo solvency problem in this water supply, and that officers of the water authority are advising the water board on this matter.