§ Mr. OnslowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what forecasts he has received from water authorities in England and Wales about the adequacy of water supplies in their area during the coming nine months; and what steps are being taken to limit abstraction from areas and ground water sources in anticipation of a drought.
§ Mr. HowardI have received no forecasts from water authorities about the adequacy of water supplies for the 771W coming nine months. However, a review of water resources early in January showed that in most areas water storage levels were satisfactory, but that in some of the drier southern areas levels were below normal. Since the exceptionally dry winter weather has continued, I am watching the situation closely by way of arrangements made with the organisations that represent the water undertakers. Two applications under the provisions of the Drought Act 1976 have been received from water undertakers.