HC Deb 22 May 1980 vol 985 cc357-8W
Mr. Durant

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the Government other water authorities imposing restrictions on the use of water if there is no appreciable rainfall within the next six weeks; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Fox

Hosepipe bans are in force in some parts of the North West, North, umbrian, Severn Trent, Yorkshire and South West water authority areas, and similar restrictions may be imposed elsewhere if the dry weather continues.

I understand that despite the unusually dry weather since early April, impounded water stocks are still satisfactory for the time of year and that ground water levels are higher than average. If the summer continues dry, prudence may dictate further conservation action under the provisions of the Drought Act 1976 in some areas, but this is unlikely to lead to early restrictions on domestic or industrial consumption.