HC Deb 30 July 1957 vol 574 c1057
39. Mr. Pryde

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what improvement has been effected in preventing river pollution in Midlothian under the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution)(Scotland)Act, 1951.

Mr. Maclay

Full details of the action so far taken are contained in the latest Report of the Lothians River Purification Board, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Mr. Pryde

I wonder if the Secretary of State appreciates that angling clubs all over Scotland are concerned about the pollution of the rivers? Does he not think that the time is now appropriate for the appointment of a special committee to go closely into the efficiency or otherwise of the river boards?

Mr. Maclay

I would not go so far as the hon. Member in the latter part of his supplementary question, but I realise the very great importance all over Scotland of getting on with the purification of rivers, which, unfortunately, in some cases does take a very long time.