HC Deb 25 January 1966 vol 723 cc12-3W
Mr. Neave

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of local anxieties, he will order a public inquiry before test pumping begins in connection with the Thames Conservancy's scheme for abstracting water from the Berkshire Downs.

Mr. MacColl

An inquiry at this stage would not help. The test-pumping will be designed to provide information, now lacking, on which to judge the feasibility and likely effects of the full scheme. The Water Resources Board will insist upon conditions for this test pumping which will protect those whose interests are likely to be affected by it.

There will be a public inquiry before approval of the full scheme is considered.