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Mr. Pardoe
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received any estimate from the South West Water Authority of the cost of providing standpipes during the recent drought; and if he will make a special payment to the water authority to cover this cost.
Mr. Denis Howell
I understand that the South West Water Authority estimates the cost of providing standpipes at about £120,000. I fear that there can be no question of adding to Government spending by subsidies to this or any other water authority.