§ 33. Sir N. Grattan-Doyleasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the question of the pollution of the River Tyne; whether the recommendations of the various local authorities have been considered; and whether any definite action is proposed?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe question of the condition of the tidal portion of the River Tyne owing to the discharge of untreated sewage has had the attention of the Commissioner for the Special Areas, who has recently received a report from the consulting engineers appointed 1281 by him to carry out a technical investigation into the possibilities of a measure of amelioration of the problem. It is hoped that copies of this report will shortly be circulated to the local authorities concerned for their consideration and observations.
§ Sir N. Grattan-DoyleIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that quite recently this question has been considered by the local authorities, who have unanimously recommended a certain scheme or schemes? Has this come to the knowledge of the Government, and do they intend to take any action in the matter whatever?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe hon. Member had better await the issue of the report.