Gas Liquor (Treatment)

HC Deb 05 March 1957 vol 566 cc172-3

40. Mrs. Slater

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what experiments have been made, and with what results, to break down the chemical compounds of gas liquor as a preliminary to its discharge into the River Trent, or to the absorption of gas liquor into the sewage plant for purification.

Mr. H. Brooke

The West Midlands Gas Board, in collaboration with sewerage authorities in the area, is pursuing an extensive research programme, which covers the treatment of gas liquor both before and after discharge from the gasworks. The technical problems are complicated, and much work remains to be done; but as results are obtained they are being published to the technical and professional organisations concerned.

Mrs. Slater

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is becoming an increasing burden in Stoke-on-Trent because the Hanley sewage works is unable to take any more of the gas liquor from the West Midlands Board? Is he aware that that means that there is a grave danger that the River Trent may be polluted? Is he further aware that there is an added strain on the Hanley sewage works and is he also aware of the importance of the amount of effluent available for industrial purposes? Will the right hon. Gentleman use every endeavour to speed up research in this direction, as it is important to health?

Mr. Brooke

The responsible authorities are tackling this job. I know that the hon. Lady will appreciate that I have to be careful about what I say because in certain circumstances an appeal under the Statute may lie to me.

Mr. Jennings

What progress has been made in the long-term policy for dealing with effluent from the Black Country which goes into the River Trent?

Mr. Brooke

If my hon. Friend will put down a Question on that subject, I will give him a comprehensive answer.

Mr. Jack Jones

Is the Minister aware that the amount of effluent in our rivers is having a serious effect on fish life? Is he aware that many workers who are fishing enthusiasts and upon whom the Government are calling for more production, go to their work on Monday mornings full of discontent because of the pollution of the rivers?

Mr. Brooke

I am aware that the problem has been with us for a long time. In my previous Answer I described certain research going on at the moment.