§ 17. Mr. MATHERSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the serious condition of the River Almond owing to recent pollution; and whether he will take action to prevent further pollution of this stream?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)Recent pollution of the River Almond has been caused by defects in the arrangements for the purification of waste waters from coal-washing plant at a colliery in the area. These defects have now been remedied and pollution from this source has ceased.
§ Mr. MATHERSIs it not possible for the hon. and gallant Member to do something not merely to remedy the cases of pollution but to prevent them by causing the recommendations of the committee in regard to appointing an inspector to be put into operation, and could he bring his influence to bear upon his own county authority in this regard?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe hon. Member knows that my right hon. Friend is in touch with the local authorities on this matter, and full regard is had to the powers under the Rivers Pollution (Prevention) Act.
§ Mr. GALLACHERIs anything being done to stop the pollution that is entering into the stream of government policy?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI am not aware of any.