§ Mr. Macquistenasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the water supply of New Zealanders, Australians and South Africans in rural and semi-rural areas is derived from rain stored in large corrugated tanks attached to each house; that such water is purer than that that comes from the earth, is free from all typhoid or other germs, and when boiled makes the best tea; and that those that drink it after boiling are never afflicted with rheumatism; and whether he will take steps to provide similar tanks for rural areas in this country in order that those districts which experience droughts may be provided with a pure and adequate supply?
§ Sir K. WoodI am aware that rain water stored in properly constructed tanks may provide an adequate supply of pure water for rural houses, but I was not aware of its peculiar dietetic and medicinal qualities to which my hon. Friend refers. It is the duty of a local authority to require that every house in its district has, within reasonable distance, a sufficient supply of wholesome water, and this requirement may be satisfied by adequate storage of rain water in tanks constructed in accordance with the local authority's by-laws. I am sending my 399W hon. Friend copies of a circular on the use of rain water for domestic supplies issued by my Department in 1934, and of a model by-law on the construction of rain water tanks.