§ 53. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the pollution of the River Thames is becoming a menace to Londoners, especially in the winter; and if he will consider the introduction of legislation to amend the Act of 1876, so as to make its application more effective?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)My right hon. Friend has no information to warrant the suggestion in the first part of the question. 1682 Or the contrary, under the Thames Conservancy Board the condition of the river has been steadily improving for many years, and is now remarkably pure. The Port of London Authority possesses special powers for dealing with pollution of the part of the Thames flowing through the Metropolis, which on present information appear to be adequate.
§ Colonel DAYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that at certain times the River Thames overflows into the reservoirs alongside the river?
§ Sir K. WOODIf the hon. Gentleman will send me any particular cases he has in mind, I will have them looked into.
§ Mr. HARRISIs the hon. Gentleman aware, that on Saturday last the banks were covered with water, and some people were nearly drowned?