§ 47. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the heavy burdens put upon agricultural land by Thames Conservancy Orders, against which there is no appeal, he will consider introducing legislation to subject this body to the supervision of a Ministerial Department or devise some means by which this House can exercise some jurisdiction in this matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)I have been asked to reply. The Thames Conservancy are charged with the duty of maintaining the purity of the Thames and its tributaries. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health is not aware of instances of oppressive action by the Conservancy in the discharge of this duty, but if the hon. and gallant Member will furnish him with any such instances he will communicate with the Conservancy.
Brigadier-General BROWNIs my right hon. Friend aware that farmers, some of whom are 40 miles from the Thames, are under the burden of orders from the sanitary officer of the local authority, as well as orders from the Conservancy? Why should they have to obey both orders?
§ Sir K. WOODIf my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars, I will make inquiries.