20. Major HILLSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has had time to consider the recently completed Government survey of the River Tees, in which it is stated that pollution by cyanide is sufficient to destroy fish in less than an hour; and whether, in view of the chronic state of pollution revealed by the report, he intends to take any action?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI have considered the report of the survey to which my right hon. and gallant Friend refers. I have, however, no powers in regard to the prevention and control of river pollution, which is a matter primarily for the local sanitary authorities or fishery boards. I understand that an association representative of the manufacturers concerned has recently been formed for the purpose of assisting in dealing with effluents and also with the general question of improving the condition of the River Tees, and that this association is, through its technical committee, in close touch with the local fishery board.