§ Mr. NEWMANasked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the shortage of water in the village of Botany Bay, near Enfield; whether he is aware that the present supply is from shallow wells in close proximity to cesspools; that the water from any of these wells has been condemned, and that during the drought of last summer occupiers of houses in the village were compelled to cart water from a considerable distance; and will he say whether the Metropolitan Water Board rate has to be paid by any occupiers in the said village, and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. BURNSI am aware of the deficiences in the water supply to Botany Bay, Enfield, and have been in correspondence with the Enfield Urban District Council with regard to it. The council are negotiating with the Metropolitan Water Board for the supply of the place, and on the 31st ultimo I reminded them that the negotiations had now been proceeding for a considerable time, and I expressed the nope that in view of the approach of summer the two bodies would lose no time in coming to an agreement. I have since been informed that the Water Board are1202W to consider the matter further at a meeting on the 18th instant, when I hope that a decision will be arrived at.