§ 61. Rear-Admiral BEAMISH (for Mr. HANNON)asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the recent resolution, unanimously adopted by the Birmingham Anglers' Association, on the subject of the increase in river pollution all over the country during the past 12 months; if he is aware that, as a result, valuable fishing reaches of rivers have been destroyed, farmers have been deprived of supplies of pure water for their stock, and difficulties 1137 have arisen in maintaining supplies of drinking water for families in rural areas; and that, in particular, the River Tame has been transformed in recent years from a healthy stream to a current of foul water; and if he proposes to adopt any measures to remedy this state of affairs?
§ Mr. GREENWOODMy attention has not been drawn to the resolution of the Birmingham Anglers' Association, nor have I received any complaints as to pollution of the Warwickshire Tame. The whole question of river pollution is at present under consideration by the Joint Advisory Committee on River Pollution, and they are now considering measures to prevent pollution by trade effluents. They have already recommended the appointment of joint river committees, and I have urged this policy on local authorities. I may also point out that local authorities under the River Pollution Prevention Acts and Fishery Boards under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act, 1923, have power to take proceedings for the prevention of pollution.
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that there will be a golden opportunity to insert a Clause in the Drainage Bill when it coms before the House?
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSHas the Minister of Health any powers to deal with this matter?
§ Mr. GREENWOODOnly by way of advice and exhortation.