§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment in which areas in England and Wales there is already a serious water shortage; and what advice he is giving to water authorities in order to ensure that critical difficulties may be eased.
§ Mr. Denis HowellPublic water supplies have so far been maintained throughout almost the whole of the country subject to restrictions on the use of hosepipes 115W in some areas. Some private sources are, however, already affected mainly in the south and east of the country. As my right hon. Friend indicated in his answer to the hon. Member for Northampton, South (Mr. Morris) on 3rd May, the Government are keeping in close touch with the water authorities, which are in the best position to decide what needs to be done in their areas.—[Vol. 910, c. 837.]