§ 37. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware of the concern felt by the farmers and anglers of Warwickshire regarding pollution of the River Avon by sewage pouring into that river from the Sherbourne and Sowe tributaries; and whether he will take immediate steps in this matter.
§ Mr. H. BrookeWorks are in progress which should gradually improve the condition of this river. The Coventry City Council has already spent over £½million on improvements to its main sewage disposal works, which discharge to the River Sowe, and has a further programme involving substantial expenditure.
§ Mr. JohnsonWould the Minister agree that nearly all the watercourses in the vicinity of large cities are virtually open sewers? Can he not do something more about this, or must the people await domestic action by the big county boroughs?
§ Mr. BrookeI cannot accept the generality of the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question. In this case, there is a great deal to be done. Coventry is a city which has expanded rapidly. I think it is aware of the magnitude of its responsibility, and the fact that it has already spent over £500,000 is, I would say, evidence that the Coventry City Council is taking the matter seriously.