§ MR. R. DUNCAN (Lanarkshire, Govan)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the sewer pipes of the burgh of Dumbarton are being extended towards the centre of the River Leven; whether this action has the concurrence and sanction of the Local Government Board; and, if not, whether steps will be taken by the Board to compel the burgh to adopt a satisfactory system of sewage purification.
§ MR. SINCLAIRI have no further information since my reply to the hon. Member's former Questions. The sanction of the Local Government Board to the extension of the sewer outlets is not required, nor have they any power to compel the local authority to adopt a system of sewage purification unless it can be shown that such is essential in order to remove a public health nuisance. Arrangements have, however, been made for a joint inquiry by the inspector under the Rivers Pollution Act, and the Medical Inspector of the Board.