§ Sir P. Hurdasked the Minister of Health if, for the information of the rural population generally, he will state the reasons which lead his Ministry to withhold approval of rural district council piped-water schemes which are urgently needed in the villages concerned, as, for instance, in the case of the Wiltshire village of Wootton Rivers, of which he has details; and why is approval withheld when labour and materials are available locally.
§ Mr. WillinkIn accordance with the general policy of limiting the execution of works as far as practicable to those which are essential for immediate war purposes, the further extension and improvement of public water supplies must normally await the defeat of Germany. Local authorities have been advised to proceed in the meantime with the preparation of well-conceived schemes, and I am prepared to indicate, after local inquiry if necessary, whether their proposals are satisfactory from the technical standpoint. I am not aware of any reasons which would warrant an exception being made in the case of the village to which my hon. Friend refers.
§ Sir P. Hurdasked the Minister of Health if he has considered the representations made to him by the local authorities and others concerned regarding the proposal to lower the level of the River Avon, because of the effect on the springs and underground water upon which many areas are dependent for their agricultural and domestic water supplies; and what steps he is taking in the matter.
§ Mr. WillinkMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries informs me that the Avon and Stour Catchment Board, who are the responsible authority, have not yet submitted to him any proposals to lower the level of the River Avon. He will not approve any such proposals without consulting me regarding their possible effect on water supplies.