§ 2. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes taking to save the sewage at present being wasted and devote it to the nourishment of the land.
§ Mr. WoodburnTreated sewage is extensively used for this purpose in inland areas. But where sewage can readily be put into the sea, it would not be economic to treat it for use on the land as the cost would be out of all proportion to the value of the fertiliser.
§ Sir T. MooreSince adequate supplies of natural manure are no longer available, and since artificial fertilisers cost dollars, surely it would be more worth while, in the interests of the production of food and of the land, to adopt this plan even though it costs a little more money now?
§ Mr. WoodburnI sympathise with the hon. and gallant Member's assumption, but the conclusions of those who have gone into the economics of the scheme are that unless it is also being done for the purpose of hygiene, it is not economic to do it for this purpose alone.