§ Lieut.-Colonel Heneageasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in many rural districts to which it is proposed to evacuate large numbers of the population, there are at present no adequate arrangements for a public water supply, and no adequate system of sewerage or sewage disposal sufficient for the needs of the present population; that there is a grave apprehension on the part of many local authorities in rural districts that the absence of these facilities is likely to have serious consequences, the risk of which will be accentuated by the removal of large numbers of the civil population from congested areas; and what steps the Government propose to take, by way of grant from national funds, to deal with these matters?
§ Mr. ElliotIn the evacuation arrangements, steps will be taken to avoid areas where insuperable difficulties are likely to arise on account of water supply or drainage. It is not considered that the number of such areas will be large. I am not at present satisfied that there is a case for grant from national funds for the purpose of improving water supply or drainage in rural areas as part of the evacuation588W scheme. Representations, however, have been made to me in the matter by the County Councils and Rural District Councils Associations, and I am seeing a deputation from them on the 7th March.