59. Mr. WEST RUSSELLasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the Report of the Tyne Experimental Committee, particularly the reference to the pollution of the River Tyne from sewage; and whether, having regard to the damage done to fisheries upon which many people depend for their livelihood, he is taking any action in the matter?
§ Mr. N. BUXTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the condition of the river has been kept 32 under observation by the River Tyne Sub-Committee of the Standing Committee on River Pollution, and the Reports of this Committee have been communicated to the sanitary authorities, with whom responsibility for action lies.
60. Mr. W. RUSSELLasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in accordance with the recommendation of the Joint Advisory Committee on River Pollution, county councils and county borough councils have been reminded of the power of any one of them as to the setting up of a river board to control the whole length of a river, including its tributaries; whether any applications for the establishment of a river board have been received; and which river board, if any, has been set up?
§ Miss LAWRENCEI have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. No new rivers joint committees have as yet been set up. One application has been received but not proceeded with. The question is being considered by conferences of the local authorities or special committees in a number of cases, and this will, my right hon. Friend hopes, lead to results.