§ 34. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any evidence that Great Britain is likely to experience markedly lower rainfall during the years ahead; and if he is taking any action to ensure that future water supply will be abundant.
§ Mr. ShoreI have no evidence to this effect. But my Department maintains close touch with the Meteorological Office on this subject.
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average total rainfall in each of the last five years, in each of the first six months of those years and in the first six months of 1976.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe general value for rainfall over England and Wales in each of the last five years was:
1971 … … … 902 mm 1972 … … … 848 mm 1973 … … … 736 mm 1974 … … … 989 mm 1975 … … … 755 mm The general value for rainfall over England and Wales in each of the first six months of the years 1971–76 was, in millimetres: