§ Sir W. Edgeasked the Minister of Health whether he can make any statement as to the shortage of water supply in specific rural districts; and whether he proposes to issue a warning regarding its consumption.
§ Mr. WillinkI would refer my hon. Friend to the appended statement which was issued on 28th March and which is in addition to and in support of warnings issued locally through the Press and directly to consumers by the water undertakers principally concerned. Following is the statement:
Economy in use of Water
"Though local conditions vary, the rainfall in England and Wales as a whole has been below the average during 1941–3, and there is at present no improvement in 1944.
This deficiency, particularly of winter rainfall, calls for saving of water if acute shortage and onerous restrictions later in the year are to be avoided. Save water now. Here are some ways of saving:
Don't wash under running taps; Don't use any more water than is absolutely necessary, whether washing or bathing; Don't leave taps running: Don't allow taps to drip. The loss from a single dripping tap can amount to no less than 14 gallons in a single day."