§ Sir R. Gowerasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain borough councils, such as Reading, are endeavouring to enforce, even during the war, the construction of separate water communication pipes instead of the joint existing pipes, so that, after the war, when the anticipated water undertakings legislation takes effect, they will secure a quantity of new pipes instead of taking over the old ones, and being responsible for them; and whether he will consider the effect, on both landlords and tenants, of such unnecessary outlay at the present moment when economy and saving are advised to all, and take steps to prevent the resulting hardship?
§ Mr. ElliotI think my hon. Friend is under some misapprehension in this matter. The right of Reading Corporation to require the laying of separate communication pipes is derived from their special Act of 1930, and is subject to the proviso that it shall not apply in the case of an existing communication pipe which is used for the supply of water to more than one house or part of a house unless and until that pipe becomes defective or requires renewal.