HC Deb 17 May 1944 vol 400 cc195-6W
Colonel Rayner

asked the Minister of Health what initial steps should be taken by a rural district to induce the appropriate authorities to instal an adequate water supply.

Mr. Willink

Under the existing law it is the duty of the rural district council to provide or secure a supply of water to every part of their district in which danger to health arises from the insufficiency or unwholesomeness of the existing supply and a general scheme of supply is required and can be carried out at a reasonable cost. If the area to be supplied lies within the statutory limits of supply of statutory water undertakers the rural district council may not itself supply without their consent. It would normally approach them with a view to the execution by them of the necessary works, and may undertake to pay, or guarantee payment to them of such periodical or other sums as may be agreed as a consideration for the provision of the supply. A rural district council proposing to carry out a scheme itself would normally take skilled engineering advice.

During the period of the war the execution of any scheme of water supply requires special authorisation under the Defence Regulations.