HC Deb 18 May 1949 vol 465 cc25-6W
Mr. Sharp

asked the Minister of Health how many water undertakings there are in the West Riding of Yorkshire; whether he will give some indication as to their comparative size and populations served; what progress has been made in the Inland Water Survey in this area; and when he estimates that it will be completed.

Mr. Bevan

There are 93 authorities with statutory powers to supply water in the West Riding of Yorkshire. They comprise: 85 local authorities serving populations between 540,000 and 1,500; four joint authorities serving populations between 65,000 and 34,000; and four water companies serving populations between 120,000 and 14,000. In addition there are a number of small companies and estate undertakings, without statutory powers, supplying populations up to 3,000. The total population supplied is about 3½ million. The Senior Engineering Inspector who is making the Survey has completed his local investigation and is now reviewing the information obtained, for the purposes of his detailed report on present conditions and his conclusions and recommendations on future supply arrangements. It is not possible to say how soon a report can be published.