HC Deb 16 February 1971 vol 811 cc432-3W
Mr. Wiggin

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to promote desalination studies; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

Studies of desalination as a means of contributing to water supply in England and Wales are promoted by the Water Resources Board. To that end they retain consultants to advise on the technical and economic problems of desalination. A coordinating committee was set up by the Board in 1964. This body keeps under review research into desalination, the development of desalination techniques and the possibilities for the application of those techniques in England and Wales. A report by the Board on desalination was published in 1969.