HC Deb 28 July 1953 vol 518 cc1085-6
44. Colonel J. H. Harrison

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he is taking to remedy the bad condition of the River Gipping, between Stowmarket and Needham Market.

Mr. Marples

Action in this matter is primarily for the local authorities concerned, but my right hon. Friend is giving them all the encouragement he can. My right hon. Friend has just approved a sewage treatment scheme for Needham Market, and he will sympathetically consider the further improvement scheme envisaged for the Stowmarket sewage works when it reaches him. He understands that this is likely to be fairly soon.

Colonel Harrison

Is my hon. Friend aware that five years ago an official of his Department visited this site and said something should be done immediately, and that nothing has happened, and that many of my constituents nearby suffer in their health, and that agricultural production is down because stock cannot get proper water?

Mr. Marples

Five years ago I was not in this Department, but I must say that this problem is largely a technical one because Stowmarket Urban District Council spent a lot of money constructing a new sewerage works and took into them factory wastes, and it was necessary for them to have a certain amount of experience in dealing with this.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

Can the hon. Gentleman say when he expects the necessary work to be completed?

Mr. Marples

Not without notice.