§ Mr. Chapmanasked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what are his plans for augmenting water resources by treating salt or brackish water.
§ Mr. WilleyThough desalination will not substantially contribute for some time, I intend to see that its potential for augmenting our water resources is fully investigated. As announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology on 27th April, the Atomic Energy Authority are embarking on a programme of research and development into methods of desalination. At the same time the Water Resources Board will be working on the problems associated with the distribution, and method and extent of use, of desalted water. Their work, and that of the Authority and others in this field, will be co-ordinated by a Committee which has been established for that purpose under the chairmanship of the Director of the Board.