§ Sir Anthony GrantTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what contingency plans he is making for the supply of water in the event of there being in the current year a drought situation similar to 1976; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardResponsibility for taking measures to maintain essential water supplies in the event of drought rests with the water undertakers. However, we are keeping a close watch on the situation by arrangements with the water industry associations. Total rainfall over England and Wales during the last three months amounted to only half the long-term average and it has been the driest such period for over 80 years, particularly in southern areas. Reservoir and groundwater levels are generally at satisfactory levels except in parts of the south-east. Much depends upon the weather during the next two months, but overall there is no cause for concern yet.