HC Deb 09 June 1953 vol 516 cc25-6
40. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the plant established at Goettingen and elsewhere in Germany, of which he has been informed, for the production of methane gas from town sewage; and whether he will give consideration to this possible economic ancillary advantage from the removal of pollution from Scottish rivers.

Mr. J. Stuart

A number of sewage disposal works in this country already use the methane gas produced in the course of treating domestic sewage and I encourage local authorities to adopt this practice wherever it appears to be of economic advantage.

Mr. Woodburn

In view of the fact that there are quite a number of drainage problems in Scotland needing urgent attention where pollution of rivers is taking place, will the right hon. Gentleman call the attention of the local authorities to the fact that they might make a contribution to the avoiding of pollution by making economic use of their sewage?

Mr. Stuart

I am entirely in favour of that, and I will certainly encourage any such action.

Sir H. Williams

May I suggest to the Secretary of State for Scotland that he might pay a visit to Croydon and inspect our sewage digestion plant, which has been producing methane gas now for many years?