50. Sir J. D. REESasked the Minister of Agriculture whether any, and, if so, what action is being, or will be, taken to deal with the pollution of the Trent and other rivers either by giving powers under the proposed new Fisheries Bill, or by introducing a short emergency Bill?
§ Mr. PARKERThe Ministry has carefully considered to what extent and by what means the pollution of rivers might be controlled in the interests of fisheries. The Minister of Agriculture hopes that, with the assistance of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, a solution may be found of this difficult problem, which is complicated by the fact that so many other important interests are involved. The Minister is not at present prepared to discuss the terms of any legislation which it may be found desirable or necessary to introduce on this subject.
Sir J. D. REESDoes not the hon. Gentleman appreciate the fact that this is a very uncontroversial matter, which might really be dealt with if the Government put it forward?
§ Mr. PARKERI am afraid I cannot agree that the pollution of rivers is an uncontroversial matter, but I will mention what my hon. Friend says to the Minister.