Gas Liquor Effluent, Stoke-on-Trent

HC Deb 22 January 1957 vol 563 cc8-9

11. Mrs. Slater

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he proposes to recommend to deal with the problem of increased amounts of gas liquor at the Etruria Works, Stoke-on-Trent; and to what extent has there been increased pollution of the River Trent.

Mr. H. Brooke

The problem referred to is in the first instance for the West Midlands Gas Board to settle with the sewerage authority for the area and with the Trent River Board. So far as I am aware, there has not been any recent increase in pollution of the River Trent.

Mrs. Slater

Is the Minister aware that the Gas Board has been negotiating with the sewerage committee about the taking of additional gas liquor by the sewage works, but that, at the present time, as a result of what was mentioned in my previous Question, the Hanley sewage works is unable to take any more gas liquor without serious damage to the plant? Is he further aware that, at present, the River Trent Board is negotiating with the sewage works and the Gas Board? Having regard to the serious pollution of the River Trent, can the right hon. Gentleman not look again at this Question?

Mr. Brooke

I agree with the hon. Lady that this is a matter of considerable importance, but I am extremely anxious that the parties concerned should themselves bring matters to a definite conclusion.

Mr. Jennings

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this type of effluent is helping to turn what was a clean and beautiful river into a filthy one? Is he further aware that no type of animal organism can exist in the River Trent between Stoke-on-Trent and Burton-on-Trent; and is he not of the opinion that his longterm policy for dealing with effluent from the Black Country into the Tame and the Trent should be speeded up?

Mr. Brooke

I think that I indicated, in reply to the original Question, that I did attach considerable importance to this matter. I am anxious not to take a line of my own at this stage because, in certain circumstances, appeal might be made to me, and I do not want to prejudice my own impartiality.