HC Deb 25 April 1967 vol 745 cc238-9W
25. Sir D. Renton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress is being made in the development of underground storage of water as recommended by the Water Resources Board in its report on water supplies for South-East England.

Mr. MacColl

The Board recommend, in outline, two pilot schemes. One, in the Lambourn Valley, is in progress. The other, near Thetford, comprises two stages. Proposals for the first stage have been worked out by the river authority and approved by the Board, and the work is already in hand.

42. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take steps to ensure an adequate supply of water in North Devon.

Mr. MacColl

Yes, when necessary. As the hon. Member knows, the proposed reservoir at Meldon has my right hon. Friend's support. He will give the North Devon Water Board all the help he can if they have to come to him for any interim emergency powers.

46. Mr. More

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he has taken to ensure the continuity of water supplies to rural areas.

Mr. MacColl

It is the Government's policy to continue the process of extending piped water supplies to rural areas and to this end in 1965 we took powers to increase the amount of money available for grants under the Rural Water Supplies and Sewerage Acts. Nevertheless cases occur in which the cost of providing a mains supply is very high, and which therefore need special consideration. Certain cases which the hon. Member may have in mind in his constituency are in that category.