HC Deb 10 June 1958 vol 589 cc3-4
3. Mr. Randall

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that the annual report of the Tyne Port Health Authority calls for action to end the potential danger to health on Tyne-side; and what action he will take to extend their powers to remedy this state of affairs.

Mr. Bevins

My right hon. Friend is aware of the contents of this report. I understand that it has been circulated to the local authorities on Tyneside, who will, I am sure, give it full consideration. The primary responsibility must rest with them, and my right hon. Friend does not think that it would be appropriate to extend the power of the Port Health Authority for this purpose.

Mr. Randall

That is not a very helpful reply. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that as far away as the northern part of Chester-le-Street sewage is passing every day into the Tyne, close by Gates-head, that the medical officer of health of the port has stated that the Tyne is an open sewer, and that the chief pollution officer has estimated that about twenty-four million gallons of untreated sewage is passing into the Tyne every day? Does he not regard that as a shocking state of affairs and think that something ought to be done by his right hon. Friend?

Mr. Bevins

Yes, this is a serious matter, as the hon. Gentleman says; but the position at the moment is that tests are being carried out to ascertain whether this untreated sewage can be discharged into the open sea. If those tests indicate that that cannot be done, it will rest upon the local authorities to bring in new schemes for the treatment of sewage before it goes into the River Tyne.

Mr. Mitchison

Will the Parliamentary Secretary or his right hon. Friend make a statement about the position on the Tyne in relation to sewage as soon as he is in a position to do so?

Mr. Bevins

This is a matter which we have constantly under review, and I would be perfectly happy to make a statement to the House at a later date.

Mr. Randall

In view of the unsatisfactory reply of the Parliamentary Secretary, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

Mr. Bevins

If I may—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Notice has been given that the matter is to be raised on the Adjournment.

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