§ 34. Rear-Admiral BEAMISHasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, owing to the pollution of the River Darenth, the local authority has directed that a dairy farm in the vicinity of Shoreham is to discontinue using river water and to make use of company water, thus causing the owner unnecessary expense; will he represent to the local authority that steps can and should be taken to abate the pollution; and will he state what is the cause of the pollution?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware of the case, but the facts are not clear, and I am communicating further with the district council and am also asking the district council and the county council to consider whether serious pollution exists, and, if so, what measures can be taken by them to abate it.
§ Viscount APSLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the pollution of this river started about 12 years ago and that the Ministry of Transport made an inquiry and ascertained that it was not due to the road? As the cause is now known, cannot the pollution be stopped?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have stated in my answer that the facts in this case are not quite clear, and I am making inquiries.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs it in order for any local dairy to use water?