§ 55. Mr. GORDON MACDONALDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the method adopted by colliery firms in allowing ochre water to flow into streams in such quantities and conditions as to be detrimental to fish life and fish food; and whether he is prepared to take such steps as will prevent this practice?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)I am aware that ochre water is discharged from mines, and that in certain circumstances it may prejudicially affect fish food; but its discharge in the same condition is specifically exempted from the operation of the Rivers Pollution Prevention Act, 1876. I am advised that it is not actually poisonous to fish, but, if it is deposited on the bed of a stream, it might interfere mechanically with fish food, in which circumstances proceedings could be taken by a Fishery Board under Section 8 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act, 1923. I myself have no statutory authority to institute proceedings.