asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those water authorities in England who intend to impose restrictions on the use of water if there is no appreciable rainfall between now and 1st August; and if he will also list those already applying restrictions.

Restrictions on the use of hosepipes have already been imposed over the whole of the area of the South-West Water Authority and in parts of the areas of all the other English authorities except Northumbrian, Thames and Southern. If the exceptionally dry weather continues, I understand that those authorities already imposing restrictions may find it necessary to extend the areas affected by them and that restrictions on a limited scale will be imposed by Southern Water Authority. I am sorry that I cannot be more precise; much will depend on the weather and on the seasonal demands.