§ 36. Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will call in for his personal attention the drought reports and plans of water authorities to the National Water Council, and the plans of the latter, to ensure that there is no impediment to any sound proposal to cope with the emergency now threatening industry and agriculture, especially in eastern England; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinAs was made clear in the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Christchurch and Lymington (Mr. Adley) on 29th April—[Vol 910, c. 177–8]—and in my statement to the House on 3rd Mayߞ[Vol. 910, c. 837]—Ministers will be receiving regular reports on the water supply situation and the plans of the water industry from the group of officials and representatives of the water industry which I have set up. This group will advise me if any difficulties arise which require Government action.
§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make 427W a statement about the state of the nation's water supplies and their adequacy.
§ Mr. Denis HowellI would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Minister for Planning and Local Government's reply on 3rd May 1976 in answer to the hon. Member for Northampton, South (Mr. Morris).—[Vol. 910, c. 837.]