asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the water supply of the Orrell urban district council is insufficient to meet the needs of the township; that arrangements have been made for a further supply, and an application for sanction to this arrangement was made to his Department more than a year ago, who have not yet sanctioned the scheme; why this has been withheld for so long; and if, in view of the great shortage, he is now prepared to give his sanction to the scheme, so that a sufficient supply of pure water may be secured?

The scheme of this urban district council involves the taking of water from a colliery shaft, and the proposed source of supply has necessitated careful investigation. I am now prepared to sanction the scheme subject to certain modifications in the agreement proposed to be made with the colliery proprietor.