HC Deb 22 July 1958 vol 592 cc205-6
32. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will give a report on the pollution and condition of the River Hamps in the Waterhouses area, Leek, Staffordshire; and whether, in view of the outbreak of poliomyelitis there, he will urge that major sanitation and water schemes be developed in these villages.

Mr. Bevins

Experience in this area and elsewhere has failed to establish a relationship between river pollution, sewage treatment and the incidence of poliomyelitis. My right hon. Friend will, however, be glad to consider any schemes for water supply or sewerage that the authority may wish to put forward on general public health grounds.

Mr. Davies

Does the Minister take into account the applications of village schools, and does he co-operate with the Ministry of Education in areas like this which still have very primitive sanitation for the schools?

Mr. Bevins

Yes, my right hon. Friend is perfectly prepared to co-operate with any other local government departments, but the criterion is public health.

33. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how streams and springs have been tested for pollution in the Waterhouses area, Leek, since the outbreak of poliomyelitis.

Mr. Bevins

The River Hamps is tested periodically by the Trent River Board, but the board's tests do not cover the bacterial content of the water. I understand that bacterial tests made on a well and a stream by the medical officer of health have shown no evidence of the presence of the poliomyelitis virus.

Mr. Davies

Would the hon. Gentleman consider issuing a statement from time to time about the condition of rivers in this area, and will he impress upon local authorities the need for them to use their powers under river pollution legislation so that river pollution no longer continues at its present rate?

Mr. Bevins

This is fundamentally a matter for local authorities, as the hon. Member knows. I reiterate that any local authority which considers that schemes of this sort are necessary on grounds of public health will have its schemes favourably considered by my right hon. Friend.

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