Water Pollution (Toddington)

HC Deb 15 June 1944 vol 400 cc2138-40

34. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make an investigation regarding the effluent from the canning factory at Toddington, which is alleged to have been causing serious pollution of the Washbourne and Carrant brooks, which in part run through the Evesham rural district territory; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the pollution, which, apart from being a public nuisance, is a serious danger to cattle on the farms through which the brooks pass.

Mr. Willink

I am aware of the pollution of the streams from the factory effluent and the matter was last investigated by one of my officers on 12th April. The company responsible has carried out temporary works to remedy the position, and I am advised that the effluent is now much better but that the pollution of the stream is aggravated by the condition of the bed of the stream, which should be cleaned out. The necessity for this work has been brought to the notice of the Gloucestershire War Agricultural Executive Committee, who have the matter in hand. The company's technical advisers are in touch with the Director of the Water Pollution Research Laboratory of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. I shall continue to keep the position under review.

Mr. De la Bère

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that recent samples taken after the experiments and so-called improvements had been made by the company, showed no improvement whatever; and is he not aware that the Cheltenham rural district council put forward a comprehensive scheme to deal with this nuisance which was turned down by the Minister and his Department on the grounds of expense? The matter is one of vital urgency, and does not seem to have had proper attention.

Mr. Willink

It was not turned down on the ground of expense alone but also on grounds of efficiency. Potato canning, which causes particular difficulty in the matter of effluent, is not going on there at the moment. The company are doing their very best and I hope that progress will be made.

Mr. Marshall

Will the Minister ensure that any expenses incurred in purifying this stream, will be placed upon those who polluted it?

Mr. De la Bèere

I am not satisfied, and I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest opportunity.