SIR UGHTRED KAY-SHUTTLE-WORTH (Lancashire, Clitheroe)asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether the attention of the Board has, from time to time, been called to the polluted state of the River Calder in Lancashire at and below Burnley; whether he has seen a recent Report of the medical officer to the Padiham and 346 Hapton Local Board, speaking of the "unhealthy and unpleasant condition" of the river; also a report of a Coroner's inquest at Padiham last week, when the jurors expressed themselves freely on "the disgraceful state of the river, especially during the recent dry weather;" and, whether he will take any action in order to protect the health of the large population residing near the Calder?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)I have seen the Report of the inquest held by the Coroner at Padiham last week, and have to-day received from the Padiham and Hapton Local Board the Report of the Medical Officer of Health with regard to the polluted state of the River Calder. I have reason to believe that the river is seriously polluted by sewage; but the Local Government Board have no power to institute proceedings under the Rivers Pollution Prevention Act against those who are responsible for the pollution. Those locally interested have the remedy in their own hands by instituting proceedings under the Act referred to. The Local Government Board will, however, communicate with the Town Council of Burnley and the Padiham and Hapton Local Board on the subject.