asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, having regard to his duties under the Water Act, 1945, what steps he is taking to ensure that there is no shortage of water in the North-West of England.

My right hon. Friend is working to secure the creation through-out the country of larger water undertakings, better able to provide for a growing demand The process has gone well in the north-west though it is not yet complete. If the hon. Member has in mind recent proposals by Manchester Corporation, I would refer him to the reply given to the hon. Member for Lichfield and Tamworth (Mr. Snow) on 27th February last.