HC Deb 16 December 1949 vol 470 cc353-4W
Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Health to state, with regard to rural water schemes in England and Wales, the value of schemes submitted to him for approval; of schemes approved in principle but not yet authorised to go to tender; of schemes authorised for commencement but not yet completed; of schemes completed; of grants paid in respect of these schemes; and of grants promised but not yet paid in respect of schemes, respectively, up to 1st October, 1949.

Mr. Bevan

The total value of rural water supply schemes submitted to me up to 1st October, 1949, was £46,265,818; the value of schemes approved in principle was £13,060,066; the value of schemes authorised for commencement is £12,636,573. I have not complete information about the progress of the last mentioned schemes.

As regards water schemes considered for grant under the Rural Water Supplies and Sewerage Act, 1944, the value of schemes known to be completed is £174,347, on which grants totalling £40,000 have been paid. The value of schemes known to be 50 per cent. completed is £2,760,881, on which grants totalling £336,025 have been paid. Grants promised and not yet paid amount to £3,925,295.

Mr. Granville

asked the Minister of Health whether it is his intention to introduce a scheme for the supply of domestic water to the rural areas of East Anglia.

Mr. Bevan

The responsibility for making proposals for the supply of domestic water rests with the local authorities concerned. Many such proposals have been approved and some are under construction. Work on others is expected to start shortly.

Mr. Granville

asked the Minister of Health if he has considered representations from the women's institutes for increasing and improving the supply of water to Suffolk, and with what result.

Mr. Bevan

I am not clear which particular representations the hon. Member has in mind. I have discussed the general question of water supply in rural areas with a deputation from the National Federation of Women's Institutes, and would invite the hon. Member's attention to the reply given to the hon. Member for East Norfolk (Brigadier Medlicott) on 27th October last. Sixteen schemes estimated to cost over £500,000 have been approved in East and West Suffolk during this year.