IX
PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICES
WITHIN THE REGIONAL AREA there are 12 statu~ tory authorities for main drainage and sewage disposal, five for the supply of electricity (excluding bulk supply undertakers), seven for the supply of water and nine for the supply of gas. [538 Planning-especially if related to a "time" schedule-will enable supply undertakings to [539 assess future demands more accurately. It would appear at first sight that a vast regional redevelopment programme with a consequent dispersal of population would have a serious effect on the supply services. In regard to the consumption of water, however, a rising standard of living and a universal provision of baths would go a long way to balance the effects of such a dispersal. Similarly, the pursuance of a vigorous smokeabatement policy and a demand for labour-saving devices will increase the consumption of gas and electricity. [540
DRAINAGE The 12 sewage-disposal authorities within the region control 20 works (see Fig. 25). The works range in size from Davyhulme, which serves a population of 818,000, to Worsley Road, serving a population of 1,578. [541 The drainage authorities in the region are: Manchester C.B. Salford C.B. Eccles M.B. Prestwich M.B. Stretford M.B. Swinton & Pendlebury M.B.
Denton U .D. Failsworth U.D. Irlam U.D. Urmston U.D. Worsley U.D. Stalybridge & Dukinfield Joint Board [542
For some time consideration has been given to the regional treatment of sewage. In September, 1936, a conference was held between representatives of the Rivers Mersey and Irwell Joint Committee and the (then) Manchester and District Joint Town Planning Advisory Committee. [543 The case for regionalisation was stated as follows:
Much could be written in regard to the desirability of joint action in this matter, and the most important fact is that the disposal of sewage should be determined by the physical characteristics of the areas, and not, as is usually the case, by the artificial boundaries of districts for adminis路 trative purposes. Where, therefore, joint action is both economic and efficient, the disposal of sewage should be dealt with at a common outfall and not at a separate outfall for each district. The chief advantages of this policy have been summarised by the Ministry of Health as follows: (1) Greater efficiency in the system of sewage treatment and in the management of works. (2) Economy in working costs and in administrative expenses. (3) Reduction of the possibility of nuisance or of pollution of rivers. (4) Reduction of the automatic restriction on building development which sewage-disposal works tend to impose. [544
It may be presumed that a strong case exists for the regionalisation of sewage disposal in and around the regional area. Consideration of such a proposal, however, would entail much detat.led investigation and survey work before definite proposals could be formulated. [545 Table 1 sets out statistics-prepared in 1938relating to the sewage works in the region. [546 ELECTRICITY The regional area contains two generating stations (Barton and Agecroft) selected under the North-West of England supply scheme of the Central Electricity Board. On the fringe of the area are similar selected stations at Chadderton, Hartshead and Stockport. These stations are connected to the 132,000-volt distributing grid network. [547 The five supply undertakings in the region (see Fig. 26) are: The Manchester Corporation The Salford Corporation The Stretford and District Electricity Board The Lancashire Electric Power Company The Oldham Corporation (supplying only a small part of Middleton) [548 105