WATER SUPPLY: NATIONAL WATER COUNCIL REPORT (Hansard, 16 November 1976)

§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk)

As my right honourable friend the Minister of State for the Environment has made clear today in another place, the Government are grateful to the National Water Council for its sound report. Its main conclusion, with which the Government concur, is that even if we have another dry winter followed by a dry summer comparable to this year, there 1273WA should be sufficient supplies available next year to maintain industrial production and employment and to meet domestic requirements generally. However, my honourable friend has stressed that the Study's conclusion rests on the assumption that we will continue to make economies in our use of water. Groundwater sources are still severely depleted and will take many months to recover. There are a number of lessons to be learned as a result of this year's experience. The National Water Council will be asked, in collaboration with my Department, to carry out further detailed studies of various practical aspects of the drought and of the reliability of our water supply planning arrangements. Looking to the future structure of the industry the Government believe that the validity of the proposals set out in the Consultative Document issued in March have been confirmed: water services have to be organised within hydrological boundaries. But it is essential to establish a strong national water authority capable of developing a national strategy with responsibility for national planning, interregional transfers and the overall adequacy of water resources. We therefore intend to publish a White Paper early next year setting out detailed proposals for the implementation of these conclusions and upon other matters covered in the review; with a view to presenting legislation to Parliament as soon as is practicable.