River Severn (Pollution)

HC Deb 16 December 1958 vol 597 cc929-30

17. Mr. Kershaw

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware of the great and growing pollution of the River Severn due to a discharge of untreated sewage from Gloucester City; and whether he will authorise the building of a modern sewage plant to remedy this.

19. Mr. Philips Price

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware that damage is being done to the salmon fishing in the lower reaches of the Severn through the discharge of untreated sewage from the City of Gloucester into the river; and whether he will take steps to enable the corporation of the City to accelerate the sewage disposal works which have been begun.

Mr. Bevins

My right hon. Friend is aware of the pollution of the River Severn at Gloucester. A scheme for new works has been approved in principle and will go ahead without any delay on his part, as soon as satisfactory tenders are received.

Mr. Kershaw

Will my hon. Friend push on with this matter with all speed? Is he aware that there is not only a danger to health in areas below Gloucester City, but that the salmon fishery has fallen by one-third in the last few years, which is causing a great deal of loss to my constituents?

Mr. Philips Price

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the present scheme, which includes only screening of sediment, is quite insufficient for dealing with the pollution of the river and that what is required is something which I understand is called biological filtration, which is very much more effective although, I admit, costing more? Will he consider this very important matter?

Mr. Bevins

That has been considered by the Gloucester Corporation. The existing scheme, which has been approved, will cost£1¼million. A scheme on the lines suggested by the hon. Gentleman would cost a great deal more and would involve a delay of probably two or three years before it could be brought about The best thing to do is to allow the present scheme to go forward as rapidly as possible and then to see what conditions are like.