HC Deb 24 June 1958 vol 590 cc227-8
29. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the deteriorating condition of the River Forth, with the result that salmon and other fish float dead from pollution; and what steps are being taken to deal urgently with purification.

Mr. Maclay

As I told the right hon. Member on 2nd July last, there have been occasional complaints of fish dying from pollution in the tidal parts of the Forth over which the River Purification Board has at present no control. A draft Order extending the Board's jurisdiction to the tidal waters of the estuary was published in May this year, but has been the subject of objections which are now being considered.

Mr. Woodburn

Would the Secretary of State investigate the possibility of scientific methods of counteracting the pollution, even if he cannot get pollution stopped immediately? Would he also see whether preventive measures could be taken against some of the worst forms of pollution until such time as the Board can get its major operations into order?

Mr. Maclay

I understand that the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has been examining the possibility of curing pollution by re-aerating or oxygenating rivers, but all the evidence so far shows that that is an almost impossibly expensive method of doing it. The cure must lie in prevention rather than in action after the event.

30. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the beginning of pollution in the Devon near Dollar; and what steps he will take to prevent any development of this destruction of the amenities of the Devon.

Mr. Maclay

I assume that the right hon. Member is referring to pollution of the river resulting from the driving of two new shafts at the Dollar mine. I understand this pollution is only temporary and that the National Coal Board is co-operating with the Forth River Purification Board in minimising it while it lasts. I have not heard of any damage to fish.

Mr. Woodburn

Will the Secretary of State keep in mind that if he can get the hydraulic analogy for nipping it in the bud, he will stop this pollution before it starts, so to speak, in this part of the Devon, which is one of the most beautiful rivers in Scotland?

Mr. Maclay

This is a question of a mixture of water and sandstone brick which has been getting into the river. It is hoped to get over the trouble very quickly indeed.