HL Deb 25 June 1964 vol 259 cc315-6

3.15 p.m.

VISCOUNT ST. DAVIDS

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 now consider the construction of a national water grid, in order to save the unhappy necessity for big cities to raid places of beauty for scarce water, and to make possible the announced expansions in the North-East and South-East.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD HASTINGS)

My Lords, the idea of a national water grid was considered by the Proudman Sub-Committee of the Central Advisory Water Committee. In their Report, they said: We consider it impracticable to contemplate for water anything in the nature of a national network of mains or 'national water grid' ". The arguments leading to this conclusion are in the Government's view still valid. The Water Resources Act, 1963, provides for the orderly development of water supplies to meet the increasing demand with full regard to the need to protect natural beauty.

VISCOUNT ST. DAVIDS

My Lords, is the noble Lord satisfied that these arguments are still valid, in view of the recent examination of the future of the South-East where, as we know, a number of towns in Essex have largely drained the water supply available to them? Is he satisfied also that the arguments are valid for the North-East where, as we know, reservoir capacity cannot be increased any further than it is at present?

LORD HASTINGS

The answer is, yes, my Lords, we are absolutely satisfied as to the North-East; its potential will not be strained for many years to come. As for the South-East, a number of methods will have to be considered (I need not go into them: the noble Viscount will be aware of them all) and of course there is already a regional distribution in force. These arrangements, and the transfer of water between catchments, will be one of the studies that the Water Resources Board will have to carry out. We have no doubt that they will be able in this way to satisfy the demand of the expanding North-East and South-East.

LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDAL

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend what progress is being made in underground storage of water? In view of the need to restrict the use of surface land for reservoirs, and the storing of water in that way, can he say whether any real progress has been made in storing water underground?

LORD HASTINGS

My Lords, I am afraid that that is an entirely different question, of which I should need notice. But I should be glad to answer it if the noble Lord would kindly put a Question on the Order Paper.