HC Deb 18 May 1939 vol 347 cc1604-5
31. Mr. Edmund Harvey

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department will be represented at the conference which is being arranged by the directors of the Basinghall Mining Syndicate with representatives of the Lakes Urban Council, the Friends of the Lake District, and others to consider the question of the pollution of Ullswater by the discharge of lead-mining effluent into the lake?

Mr. Elliot

No, Sir. The primary responsibility for the prevention of pollution rests with the local authorities under the Rivers Pollution Prevention Act, 1876, and, in view of my judicial functions under that Act, I could not appropriately take any part in the matter at the present stage.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Does not this abuse really prove the necessity of making national parks? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider now whether he can carry through the Royal Commission's Report for 1931?

Mr. Elliot

That does not arise out of this question.

Mr. Hannah

Has my right hon. Friend's Department any jurisdiction?