HC Deb 17 February 1953 vol 511 c1052
29. Mr. Manuel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action has been taken by his Department to implement the provisions of the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) (Scotland) Act, 1951, in the county of Ayr.

Commander Galbraith

My right hon. Friend has sent draft proposals to the five local authorities concerned in the establishment of a river purification board for the rivers in the county of Ayr and neighbouring areas, and he is now awaiting their comments.

Mr. Manuel

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many members of angling clubs throughout Ayrshire are most anxious for this matter to be proceeded with as quickly as possible, particularly as we in Ayrshire think that other areas are being treated more quickly than the county of Ayr; and is he further aware that many farmers desire to have a clean water supply for their livestock, and to have equality with the rest of Scotland in the carrying out of prevention of pollution schemes?

Commander Galbraith

Yes. Sir. I share the angling associations' anxiety, but the matter has been before the local authority since 2nd May, 1952, and we are hoping that an understanding and agreement is now almost in sight.

Mr. Patrick Maitland

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether any progress has been made as regards the Clyde?

Mr. Manuel

That is not in Ayrshire.

Commander Galbraith

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put down that question. It is somewhat different from the one on the Paper.