§ 22. Mr. Prydeasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the danger to public health caused by the pollution of the River Esk in Midlothian; and if he will take steps to remedy this evil.
§ Mr. J. J. RobertsonI have no evidence that the condition of the River Esk constitutes a danger to public health, although I am aware that the river is unsightly and, at times, malodorous. This unsatisfactory position arises largely through the difficulty of purifying paper-mill effluent at reasonable expense. My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State and the Minister of Health have asked the paper industry to co-operate with the Government in research into the possibility of devising reasonably practicable methods of treatment. In addition, the Scottish Water Advisory Committee are considering whether any amendment of the law dealing with pollution is necessary.
§ Mr. PrydeIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the paper industry is not the only source of pollution in this way?