§ Mr. Chorltonasked the Minister of Health if satisfactory progress is being 2547W made with the proposal for a piped water supply to all districts; if the local authorities are doing it by themselves or in conjunction with supply companies; and where the large extra amount of water comes from.
§ Mr. WillinkSubstantial progress in the extension and improvement of public water supplies will not be possible until after the end of the war in Europe. Local authorities have been advised in the meantime to get ahead as far as possible 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 have no doubt that, where appropriate, supplies will be provided by agreement with statutory water undertakers. Existing sources will be used where they can meet the need and new sources will have to be developed where necessary.