asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that a number of permanent residents and holiday campers at Althorne, Essex, who have been accustomed for many years, on payment to the railway company of 5s. a year, to obtain their supply of water from a tap at Althorne station, have been notified that this facility is to end on 24th April; and if he will take steps to ensure that an adequate supply of water is made available to them by that date.

I am informed that the Maldon Rural District Council are arranging for a supply of water to be continued to the permanent residents after that date. As regards the holiday campers, I am in communication with the Council, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result of my inquiries.

Since it is unlikely that any satisfactory main water supply can be laid on at this particular site, does my right hon. Friend envisage a water cart, or something like that, as a satisfactory semi-permanent solution; or would he consider approaching the British Railways and asking them to continue or to improve the present arrangement?

I shall not approach the railway until it becomes necessary.