HC Deb 14 February 1946 vol 419 c514
24. Mr. David Eccles

asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take to speed up the proposed enlargement of the Chippenham Town Council's sewage disposal works at West-mead; and by what date he considers the work will be put in hand.

Mr. Bevan

The town council were advised in October, 1944, to prepare details of the scheme for the full reconstruction of their sewage disposal works at Westmead and submitted their plans on the 31st May, 1045. Certain amendments of design were called for in the following month and the amended plans were received on 28th January, 1946. Minor engineering points remain to be settled. The council will then be invited to call for tenders and the Government priority organisation will be asked to fix a starting date for the approved tender.

Mr. Eccles

Is the Minister aware that the River Avon stinks horribly and is at times a real danger to public health?

Mr. Bevan

I appreciate the stink from the River Avon. It has been stinking for a good many years.