HC Deb 24 June 1907 vol 176 cc897-8
MR. WEIR

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the promenade at Colwyn Bay is constructed for upwards of two miles over the top of the main sewer which carries the sewage into the sea at Rhos-on-Sea; and, seeing that the sewer is ventilated by means of ventilating shafts on the parade, will he ascertain whether any loss offensive means of ventilating the sewer can be adopted; and, in view of the sewage stench at Rhos-on-Sea, will he suggest to the local authorities the expediency of carrying the sewage further out to sea.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. JOHN BURNS, Battersea)

I understand that the promenade at Colwyn Bay is not constructed over the outfall sewer, but over the main intercepting sewer. The latter sewer is ventilated by ventilating shafts, some of which are on the promenade, but they are of a considerable height, and I am informed that they are no nuisance, and that there have been no complaints with respect to them. I understand that there is now no outfall sewer at Rhos-on-Sea, that outfall having been disconnected and the whole of the sewage connected into the new sewerage scheme, which discharges some 1,530 feet below low-water mark at a point near the Little Orme.

MR. HERBERT ROBERTS (Denbighshire, W.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Colwyn Bay Council have constructed the works in accordance with the best engineering advice and that no complaint of any kind has been made?

MR. JOHN BURNS

Yes, that is so.

MR. WEIR

Was not a complaint made ten months ago?

MR. JOHN BURNS

I am aware an unjustifiable complaint was made by the hon. Member himself, and I think it ought not to be repeated on the floor of the House of Commons to the detriment of the local authority which ought not to be pilloried in this fashion. I have given a great deal of time and attention to the matter of the unauthorised and unfounded complaint made ten months ago. I think there is no justification for complaint against the local authority; on the contrary, it has done all that can reasonably be asked of it.