§ 81. Mr. Donnerasked the Minister of Health whether he will give an assurance that the shallow, as well as the deep scheme, for the inundation of the Enborne Valley has now been abandoned.
§ Mr. BevanNo proposals for the construction of reservoirs have been submitted to me. 1 cannot predict what will happen in the future, but I understand that the Metropolitan Water Board have no present intention of applying for powers for the construction of a reservoir in the Enborne Valley.
§ 89. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Health if he has now withdrawn the authority given to the Metropolitan Water Board to carry out boring tests and other investigations in the Enborne Valley; and if, in order to dispel the anxiety still felt by local residents, he will give an assurance that he will not authorise further proceedings in connection with this project reservoir.
§ Mr. BevanNo. No proposals for further borings have been submitted to me. If any such proposals were made they would have to be dealt with on308W their merits after consideration of the views of all the parties affected by them.
§ 93. Mr. Donnerasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the continuing expenditure of moneys by the Metropolitan Water Board in the Enborne Valley for purposes of further research, he will give an assurance that no scheme for the inundation of the valley will again be considered, except in conjunction with alternative schemes elsewhere.
§ Mr. BevanIf any scheme is submitted I must consider it and must also have regard to any suitable alternatives elsewhere.
§ Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Health if, following the abandonment of the original Enborne Valley reservoir proposal as an immediate project, he will now reassure the local residents that there is no more probability of this area rather than any other area being approved in the future for reservoir purposes.
§ Mr. BevanI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to the hon. Member for Basingstoke (Mr. Donner).