HC Deb 25 June 1957 vol 572 cc15-7
26. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that the River Trent has recently been so grossly polluted by foam from detergents as to inconvenience craft; and what steps he is taking to remedy this state of affairs.

Mr. H. Brooke

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough (Mr. Kimball) on 25th March. I am advised by the Trent River Board that there has been no material change in conditions on this river since that date.

Mr. Greenwood

Would the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration any further evidence that is available about pollution since that date? Can he say when he expects to be able to make up his mind about the general contribution of detergents to river pollution, and in doing so will he satisfy himself whether the presence of foam-making agents in detergents is really necessary?

Mr. Brooke

I think that any further information about the state of the river should be sent, in the first instance, to the Trent River Board. The position is that a technical committee on synthetic detergents was set up at the beginning of the year, and I am sure that its report will be of great value.

Mr. Jennings

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Burton-on-Trent Medical Officer of Health last week publicly warned parents and children in the town not to bathe in the river because of the danger of contracting typhoid fever and ear and throat infections? Further, is he aware that the position at Burton is now serious and dangerous? While I am grateful for the long-term efforts which he has announced to me his Department is prepared to take, will he now look seriously at the problem with a view to taking short-term and immediate steps?

Mr. Brooke

I should like to assure my hon. Friend that all this is a matter for the river board in the first instance.

28. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many cases of pollution have been brought to the attention of the Lancashire River Board in the past twelve months; and in how many cases legal proceedings have been instituted.

Mr. H. Brooke

The Board's report for the twelve months ended 31st March, 1956, stated that sixty-two complaints about pollution had been made to the board during those twelve months, and also that the board did not find it necessary to institute legal proceedings during this period. More up-to-date information will be contained in the report for the twelve months ended 31st March, 1957, which should be available later this year.

Mr. Greenwood

Is not it a disturbing state of affairs that the board did not think it desirable to take legal proceedings in any of sixty-two cases reported to it? Is there any cause for surprise at the fact that the Lune and Wyre fishery conservation authorities are losing their confidence in the work of the river board?

Mr. Brooke

The board stated in its last annual report that each case of complaint had been investigated and remedial action had been requested where necessary, and although the river board was seriously concerned regarding some pollution, it decided that it was unnecessary to institute legal proceedings during that year.

Mr. Snow

Has the right hon. Gentleman received from any river boards suggestions that existing legislation is insufficient in cases where there is no existing life in the rivers?

Mr. Brooke

That is rather a long way from the Question on the Order Paper. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will table a Question about it.

33. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will initiate talks with the representatives of river catchment boards in England and Wales regarding the growing pollution of rivers in the vicinity of large cities.

Mr. H. Brooke

My officers are in constant touch with the individual River Boards who are doing all they can to improve the condition of the rivers. I do not believe that for me to initiate general talks of the kind suggested would serve a useful purpose.

Mr. Johnson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the catchment boards think that he could do much more to help if he would bestir himself and feel that he is far too parsimonious and could give far more financial aid to local authorities to enable them to get on with their sewerage schemes?

Mr. Brooke

I should like the hon. Member to realise that the river boards are in touch with me and have access to my officers, and I think I am kept well aware of their views. The initiative lies with them.

Mr. Lindgren

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that every river board admits that each year the conditions in its river deteriorate? How long will he allow that state of affairs to continue without taking some action centrally?

Mr. Brooke

I am glad to have the opportunity of contradicting that. The amount of pollution of our rivers, though very serious, is decreasing and not increasing.