§ 6. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the pollution of the River Thames; and whether, in view of the opening of the bathing season, he has any statement to make as to dangers to health involved in bathing in this river.
§ Mr. MarquandI am advised that above Teddington the risks to bathers are not great. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Local Government and Planning that to purify the Thames completely would cost more money, materials and labour than we can afford at present.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCan the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance to those responsible, for example, for youth organisations, that it is reasonable to allow young people to bathe in the river this year?
§ Mr. MarquandI gave a written answer on this question to the hon. Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn) on 1st May and I would ask the hon. Member to look at that answer.
§ Mr. Lionel HealdIn view of the very large number of people who bathe in the Thames, at places like Runnymede, for example, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the expression he has used, that the danger is "not great," might be put a little more specifically?
§ Mr. MarquandIt is impossible to measure accurately the risk to health. One can only give a general opinion based on that of my medical advisers.