§ 92. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what progress is being made in the grouping of water 134W undertakings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. H. BrookeIf the rising demand for water in England and Wales is to be effectively and economically met, it is essential to regroup small water undertakings into units large and strong enough, at the least, to be able to afford to employ a full-time water engineer. When the first circular on re-grouping was sent out three years ago, the number of undertakings was 1,026. It will be reduced to 869 when decisions already embodied in Orders or Private Acts take effect. Action now in hand will affect close on 100 of these. Another 200 have resolved to re-group, and a further 300 have it under discussion. I hope for a marked speeding up of regrouping from now on, particularly as in a number of areas the drought this summer has confirmed the importance of it.