Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that certain publicly-owned water undertakings have laid down as a requirement the installation in every class of dwelling in the areas they serve of copper or lead piping, instead of gal-vanised iron; and whether, in view of the 315W shortage of these imported and expensive metals he will instruct those authorities to install adequate water-softening plants.
§ Mr. BevanWater undertakings have been pressed to allow their consumers to use substitutes including galvanised steel, where this is practicable, but I am advised that the chemical constituents of the water in some areas may render the use of lead or copper essential.- A sub-committee of the Central Advisory Water Committee is considering policy in respect to watersoftening by the undertakings.