§ Mr. McMahonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses in Scotland have their water 415W supply for drinking and other purposes provided through tanks in their loftsf; how many of these are houses of the Scottish Special Housing Authority; what steps are taken to ensure the purity of drinking water in such circumstances; and whether there are any regulations designed to limit bacteriological and other contamination in such circumstances.
§ Mr. Allan StewartDetailed information about water supply arrangements within houses in Scotland is not available to my Department. However, it is estimated that not more than 2 to 3 per cent. of domestic properties have their water supply for drinking and other purposes provided exclusively through tanks in their lofts. About 4 per cent. of Scottish Special Housing Association properties are supplied in this way, almost entirely multi storey flats.
Regional and islands councils are required to provide a supply of wholesome water. There are byelaws to prevent its contamination, which contain provisions for the placing, equipping and covering, etc of storage cisterns. Water stored in properly installed and maintained cisterns should not become contaminated or deteriorate to any significant extent in respect of bacteriological quality.