HC Deb 20 May 1958 vol 588 c1082
15. Mrs. Slater

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what further report has been made to him on research which has taken place on the problem of gas liquor being processed by sewerage works or in relation to pollution of rivers.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. J. R. Bevins)

The Gas Council, which is conducting the research, reports to my noble Friend, the Minister of Power, and not to my right hon. Friend. I know, however, that this extremely complex and technical problem is being continuously examined and my right hon. Friend is being kept in touch with the position.

Mrs. Slater

May we expect within a very short time a report from the Minister of Power, through the Minister of Housing and Local Government, because every local authority which has this great problem is concerned in case its sewerage works are put out of action if more gas liquor has to be taken?

Mr. Bevins

I am afraid I cannot tell the hon. Lady when we are likely to have a report on this research, but it is going on, and we are always anxious to help the local authorities in the Potteries. We have, in fact, authorised new works both at Hanley and at Stoke-on-Trent.