§ 81. Major HILLSasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the highly polluting character of the effluents derived from the processes intended to be subsidised by the Hydro-carbon Oils Production Bill, and having regard to the damage caused to rivers and streams by a similarly subsidised industry, he intends to propose any and what safeguards for ensuring adequate treatment of such effluents; and whether subsidies will be withheld where such treatment is absent?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)Processes for the production of motor spirit from coal, etc., have been in operation in many parts of this country in a very large number of works for many years. No new problem has therefore been created by the Government's proposals for a guaranteed preference. The question of river pollution is not one which comes within the jurisdiction of my Department, but I understand that legislation on the subject already exists and has been effectively used in 1308 the past. As no grants are payable under the Bill no question of withholding payment arises.