asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many reservoirs have been constructed, and at what cost, since 1919; and if he will give an assurance that there is an adequate supply of drinking water to carry us through a reasonably dry season.

The total storage capacity of water undertakings in England and Wales increased from about 119,100 million gallons in 1929 to about 304,700 million gallons in 1953. Earlier information is not readily available. Supplies are being steadily increased, but there may still be some local difficulties during dry spells.