Mr. De la Sèreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, in connection with the agricultural hostel for 60 persons which has been erected at Inberrow village, Worcestershire, under the auspices of the Ministry, what steps were taken to ascertain whether a supply of water was available; and whether, in view of the fact that there is at present an inadequate water supply, what steps he is taking to rectify this?
§ Mr. HicksThe Geological Survey advised that water should be available on the site which was selected by the war agricultural committee for the hostel, under the 1942 programme. The well when sunk to 30 feet gave plenty of water. The hostel was occupied after a long, dry spell and the yield of the well under those conditions proved insufficient for 50 people. The occupants were accordingly moved temporarily to accommodation which had been prepared for harvest workers in order that the well might be deepened. This has now been done and should provide a 2111W sufficient supply of water with reasonably careful use in dry weather. As a further safeguard, a second well will be sunk as soon as possible. This will not involve the removal of the occupants.