§ 25. Mr. Jesselasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement on water supplies.
§ Mr. Denis HowellMy right hon. Friend said in answer to the hon. Member for Northampton, South (Mr. Morris) on 3rd May—[Vol. 910, c. 837–8]—that the immediate situation appeared to be under control and that the water authorities hoped to avoid major interruptions of supplies during the summer. This remains generally the position, thanks to above average rainfall in the north of England over the last month, the energetic measures the water authorities have taken to make the best use of supplies and the good response by the public to economy campaigns; although there are, of course, areas in East Anglia, the East Midlands, the South and West and Wales where there remains a serious risk of a more difficult situation later in the year. We are in close touch with the506W water authorities and are working out with them the contingency measures that would be needed if the situation worsens.