HC Deb 31 March 1947 vol 435 cc260-1W
92. Mr. Jeger

asked the Minister of Works why the Winchester Rural District Council was not consulted before the water-tower on Coxford Down, Micheldever, was sold to a scrap metal merchant; and if he will undertake to offer such equipment to the appropriate local authority in future before disposing of it commercially.

Mr. Key

Under arrangements agreed between my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and my predecessor, local authorities who are interested in the acquisition of surplus water installations should notify the Ministry of Health. So far as I can trace, no indication of the Rural District Council's interest in this water tower was given until it had been sold. In general the present procedure has worked well, and I see no reason to change it.