HC Deb 18 October 1976 vol 917 cc316-7W
Mr. Speed

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now take steps to remove from commercial undertakings the water restrictions imposed under the Drought Act.

Mr. Denis Howell

This is a matter to be decided by the regional water authorities. Some have already lifted restrictions on non-essential uses altogether. Some have lifted them in part. Where restrictions remain in force the authorities will keep the situation under constant review and will, I am sure, give sympathetic consideration to the possibility of relaxations in the case of commercial undertakings.