HC Deb 03 November 1976 vol 918 cc596-7W
14. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to increase the water supply next summer.

Mr. Denis Howell

I shall be making a statement to the House shortly about this in the light of the National Water Council's Report "Water Supply Prospects for 1977".

41. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he can list the likely changes anticipated for 1977 in water preservation regulations or new capital expenditure which will be involved to ensure that another drought will not cause the difficulties of the summer of 1976.

Mr. Denis Howell

Details of capital expenditure are described in the National Water Council's Report "Water Supply Prospects for 1977" on which I shall the making a statement to the House shortly. This will include a reference to the operation of the Drought Act 1976.

43. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what conclusions his Department has reached in relation to planning water supplies and anticipating future water requirements following the operation of the Drought Act 1976; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Denis Howell

I shall be making a statement to the House shortly.

Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many submissions he has received to date in response to his consultative document upon water supply policy.

Mr. Marks

About 500 bodies and individuals have submitted comments on the consultative document on the review of the water industry.