§ Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning from what sources it is proposed to provide water for the new towns of Harlow and Stevenage.
§ Mr. SilkinBoth Stevenage and Harlow Development Corporations intend to apply to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to become statutory water undertakers. Any proposals which the Corporations may make, which, I understand, will probably be for obtaining water by means of abstraction from underground sources, will require his approval.
§ Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning how it is proposed to dispose of the sewage effluent of Harlow and Stevenage and 127W other new towns which drain into the Lea; what is the cost of each of these proposed schemes; and whether he will give an assurance that the purity of London's water supply will be safeguarded.
§ Mr. SilkinA scheme for the disposal of sewage from the new towns is at128W present being worked out in consultation with the Ministry of Health and other interested parties. It is not, as yet, possible to give any reliable estimate of the cost. I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that the importance of maintaining the purity of London's water supplies is being borne well in mind.