§ 28. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Minister of Health if he can make a statement as to how long he anticipates it will be before the measure he contemplates for improving the condition of the River Lee will take effect; whether these measures, when completed, will entirely remove the nuisance of crude sewage: and whether, in order to relieve the anxiety of those to whom this nuisance causes risk to health, he can undertake to press forward the measure with the utmost expedition?
36. Captain HUDSONasked the Minister of Health whether he can now state how soon the measures being taken to deal with sewage pollution of the River Lee will be effective?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe two places which most affect the state of the river at Hackney are Enfield and Edmonton. The new works at the former are expected to come into operation in a few weeks. The first instalment of the new measures at the latter place should come into operation in about six months' time; I am informed that the work is being pushed forward. I am advised that when those works and those at Walthamstow and Leyton come into full effect, the present state of the river should be remedied.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, it is not only Edmonton which is giving trouble, but that there is a large number of other independent authorities, and in view of this fact can he see his way to have an inspection carried out by some authority which could collate all the information and act upon it, with a view to improving the position of the river throughout its length?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINFull information is already in the possession of my Department, and I am advised that the two places which I have mentioned are those which most affect the state of the river, therefore there is every reason to suppose that, when the new works are finished, the state of the river will be improved.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIn view of the great anxiety which the state of the river has caused, will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will not rest until this river is in a healthy condition?