§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to the number of companies nationally, and by region, which have closed down over the last four weeks through lack of water supplies.
§ Mr. Giles ShawDuring the last four weeks, a number of plants have suspended operations temporarily or have reduced output because water services have been affected. At present I am aware of four food and drink production plants which are now not operating through lack of water supplies. Two are in the south eastern region and two in the south western region. One plant in the northern region has ceased production through poor water quality.