HC Deb 26 June 1951 vol 489 c1175
41. Mr. Braine

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning what circumstances have led his Department to consider as a matter of urgency the disposal of untreated sewage from the new town of Basildon southward into the Thames.

Mr. Dalton

The comparative costs of the alternative ways of disposing of sewage from Basildon—including that mentioned by the hon. Member—are being examined by the New Town Corporation in consultation with my Department.

Mr. Braine

Is this not a matter which should have been thought of before the site of the new town was selected? Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that holiday resorts such as Canvey Island strongly deprecate the suggestion that the Thames should be turned into a sewer? Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter again and give an unequivocal assurance that he will not do any such thing?

Mr. Dalton

There are at least three alternative means of sewage disposal now being considered. We are going into the whole matter very carefully. I am anxious to get an arrangement which is most suitable both to the inhabitants of the new town and to the other interests concerned.

Mr. McAdden

Can the Minister give an assurance that he will take into consideration not only the effect that this might have on seaside resorts, which include not only Canvey Island but Southend, but the effect that a diversion might have on the oyster fishery in the Crouch?

Mr. Dalton

That has already been brought to my attention.