§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if, in view of the importance to Wales of the Government's policy of water development in Wales, he will make a statement of his future policy in this matter; if he will undertake that no reservoir or barrage will be built without his approval; what plans he has for altering the powers and scope of river authorities and the existing water undertakings in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I have a joint duty under the Water Resources Act, 1963, to include in the national policy relating to water such measures as may be considered necessary or expedient for augmenting the water resources of areas in England and Wales, for re-distributing water resources in any area or for transferring water resources from one area to another, and to secure that, under our control and direction, that policy is effectively executed by river authorities and the Water Resources Board.
The construction of a reservoir or barrage for the purpose of giving a public water supply could not be undertaken without my approval or the authority of Parliament.
Any proposals to change the functions and rôle of river authorities and water undertakings will have to await the report of the Central Advisory Water Committee.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many million gallons of water per day is used in North Wales and East Flintshire, respectively; how much water is abstracted, in million gallons per day, for industrial purposes in East Flintshire; what is the expected growth rate for water consumption in the five counties of North Wales until 2000 A.D.; what principles will underlie his policy of developing potential water sources; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe information asked for is not readily available. I am writing to the hon. Member.
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§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if it is his policy to support a single organisation responsible for water resources development in England and Wales; if he is considering a water development authority for Wales in the form of an agency charged with the development of new reservoirs which will follow strategies decided by Ministers in the light of advice from a water resources board; if such an authority will also have responsibility for tourist and recreational uses, community needs and compensation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe Welsh Council's report "Water in Wales" recommended that consideration be given, in the wider context of the report to be made by the Central Advisory Water Committee, to the setting un of a water development authority for Wales. When that report is received the Council's recommendations on this and other matters will be considered.