§ 58 and 59. Sir HUGH SEELYasked the Minister of Health (1) whether his attention has been called to the report last summer by the medical officer of health for the Port of London to the City Corporation in which it was claimed that the pollution of the Thames estuary will, in all probability, become more serious; that, if deficiency of rainfall continues or recurs there will be danger of the Thames becoming definitely offensive in its course through London; and what attitude he proposes to adopt to this part of the report;
(2) whether his attention has been called to the report last summer by the medical officer of health for the Port of London to the City Corporation in which it was claimed that sewage-polluted water from the Thames estuary was carried up-stream on the flood tide in dangerous proximity to the great commercial districts of London; and what attitude he proposes to adopt to this part of this report?
§ Sir K. WOODI am aware of the views expressed in the report cited, and I am now giving the whole matter careful consideration. I may say that works for the purification of a substantial part of the London sewage are already in progress.
§ Sir H. SEELYAre not the smells in this House also due to this cause?
§ Sir K. WOODI would like to have further information upon that point.
§ Mr. THURTLEDoes the Minister accept the statement in question No. 58 that there is a deficiency in rainfall?