§ Lieut. - Colonel Sir J. NORTON GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the annual deficiency in the water fund of the 2051W Metropolitan Water Board now amounts to no less than £511,000 per annum and is equal to a call on the ratepayers in the London county area of approximately 3d. in the £ and will, as from the year 1923–4, be further increased by the sum of £144,000 per annum in respect of the sinking fund for the redemption of the outstanding acquisition debt of the Board; and whether he will appoint a Committee to investigate the administration of the affairs of the Metropolitan Water Board with a view to making recommendations to secure a more economical working of the Board's operations?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am aware of the position referred to. The matter is now under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.