§ 82. Mr. Carol Johnsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what representations he has received from the Countryside Commission with regard to holding up the start of work on the Meldon reservoir; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis HowellIn its statutory report for the year ended 30th September, 1969 (House of Commons Paper No. 45), the Commission suggested that the North Devon Water Board might find that its interests could be best served by its not proceeding with the scheme at Meldon which Parliament has authorised, relying instead on a share of the supply from a new reservoir at Townleigh, and finding other means of meeting its immediate needs. No doubt the board will consider whether its duties to its consumers allow it to defer construction at Meldon but this is not a course that my right hon. Friend could urge upon it.