240 REPORTS ON THE STATE OF SCIENCE, ETC. 
the opinion that it would not be feasible, in the first instance, under present 
conditions, to move for the immediate establishment of an organisation to 
be financed by public funds, but rather that a beginning should be made in 
a comparatively small way, financed by subscriptions from individuals and 
bodies interested, with the prospect of being ultimately incorporated in a 
Government department. 
‘With this in view the Committee have approached the Council of the 
Institution of Civil Engineers and have been gratified to learn that the 
Council were prepared, if they are so requested by the British Association, 
to appoint a committee to investigate the feasibility of carrying out the 
objects outlined in this Report on a self-supporting basis.’ 
II. In pursuance of these recommendations the British Association com- 
municated with the Institution of Civil Engineers, inviting them to carry 
the inquiry further. In response to this invitation the Institution appointed 
a committee ‘ to investigate the feasibility of carrying out on a self-supporting 
basis the objects outlined in the Report on Inland Water Survey.’ 
III. On June 8, 1934, this Committee was invited by the Committee of 
the Institution to co-operate in the formation of a small joint sub-Com- 
mittee, consisting of three members from this Committee and three members 
from the Institution of Civil Engineers Committee, with a view to advancing 
the inquiry. It was considered that this action would be of advantage and 
the invitation was accordingly accepted. 
IV. During the past year the Committee has reviewed the conclusions 
and recommendations contained in its first Report in the light of the improved 
financial position of the country and of the greater general interest in the 
subject as the result of the difficulties experienced during the exceptionally 
dry weather conditions. It was felt that the time was now opportune for 
the collection and correlation of data on inland water resources to be under- 
taken by some appropriate Government department, preferably one inde- 
pendent of any interest in the administrative control or use of water. ‘The 
Committee therefore took steps to bring the matter to the notice of the 
Government through the agency of the joint sub-Committee mentioned in 
para. III. above. 
V. In June 1934 a letter and memorandum, signed by the Presidents of 
the British Asscciation and Institution of Civil Engineers, were submitted 
to the Prime Minister, and on July 17 a deputation was received by the 
Minister of Health. A statement on the result of the deputation to the 
Government (together with acopy of the letter and memorandum) is included 
in the appended report of the joint sub-Committee to the two main Com- 
mittees. It will be noted that the Minister of Health stated that the sugges- 
tions put forward by the deputation would receive the most careful con- 
sideration of the Government. 
VI. The Committee has noted with satisfaction that the Committee of 
Scottish Health Services has, in its Interim Report, 1934,! on Water Supplies, 
recommended that : 
“(1) A technical survey of the water resources and supplies of Scotland 
should be undertaken at once. 
“(2) A comprehensive inquiry should be held into the whole question of 
water supplies with the object of securing a more economical and more 
effective use of resources.’ 
It is also satisfactory to note that during the past year progress has been 
made by a number of undertakings in the establishment of further and 
improved gauging stations. 
1 H.M. Stationery Office. 49/9999. 1934. Price 1d, 
