Scotland’s water wealth should be shared with the rest of the country, Tom Harris has told the House of Commons.

During questions to the Leader of the House, Sir George Young, today, the Glasgow South MP pointed out that despite recent dismal weather, many parts of England face drought conditions, whereas Scotland has plenty to spare.

“Would the Leader of the House find some value in a debate on the floor of the House to consider the practicalities and costs of a national water distribution network so that Scotland can share our water wealth with our more parched southern compatriots?”

Sir George said the government would consider various solutions to the water shortage after the start of the new parliament in May, but gave no commitment to exploring Tom’s suggestion.

Afterwards, Tom said: “It is absurd that in while Scotland has virtually unlimited access to quality fresh water, so many people in England still have to endure hose-pipe bans ona  regular basis. Surely in the 21st century it’s not beyond us to come up with an engineering solution so that the UK’s water wealth can be more evenly distributed?

“This is not a problem that’s likely to go away any time soon, and perhaps this is one problem that demands some radical thinking.”