HL Deb 08 May 1962 vol 240 cc85-6

2.49 p.m.

THE EARL OF ALBEMARLE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider how the consent of the Minister of Housing and Local Government—required for the agreement in regard to the financial arrangements between the Metropolitan Water Board and the South Essex Water Board—can be hastened to meet the urgency of the shortfall imminent in water supplies to Essex.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (EARL JELLICOE)

My Lords, my right honourable friend will consider these arrangements as soon as they are submitted to him for approval. I understand there is already agreement, in principle, between the two parties. In the meantime my right honourable friend has made an Order conferring powers on the South Essex Waterworks Company to carry out the works involved in their proposed agreement with the Board.

THE EARL OF ALBEMARLE

My Lords, I thank the noble Earl for a most satisfactory Answer. It shows that no time has been lost and that they have got on with the matter.

EARL JELLICOE

My Lords, may I thank my noble friend for a most satisfactory supplementary.