asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what consideration has been given by his Department to the conclusions of the hydrological survey and the report of the Central Advisory Water Committee in relation to the shortage of water in Essex; and whether he will make a statement.

The survey shows that ultimately considerable quantities of water will have to come from outside Essex. The South Essex Waterworks Company have promoted a scheme for a large intake from the Metropolitan Water Board. This scheme will shortly be the subject of a public inquiry, but even if approved it would not meet the whole of the demand foreseen over the next 20 years. Further research is, therefore, required before an answer to the long-term problem can be found. There has been no report from the Central Advisory Water Committee on this question.