§ 68. Mr. EVERARDasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of prosecutions for the pollution of rivers undertaken by the Fishery Boards in 1925 and the amount of fines imposed?
§ Major Sir HARRY BARNSTON (for Mr. GUINNESS)The only case of which my right hon. Friend is aware was the prosecution by the Trent Fishery Board of the Melton Mowbray Gas Company. The Magistrates felt obliged to dismiss the case on the ground that it had not been proved that the Company 1431 knew that they were polluting the river, but it is understood that as a result of the prosecution the pollution has been stopped.
§ Mr. EVERARDHas the hon. Gentleman considered that the position in regard to the pollution of rivers is becoming gradually better year by year?
§ Sir H. BARNSTONThe pollution of rivers has been engaging the serious attention of the Fisheries Department, assisted by a voluntary committee.