§ 2.49 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF ALBEMARLEMy 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.]
86THE 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 ALBEMARLEMy 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.