River Thames (Pollution and Flooding)

HC Deb 17 November 1959 vol 613 cc950-1

4. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what progress he has made in reducing the pollution of the River Thames and the stench from it in the vicinity of Erith.

Sir K. Joseph

Very big works are being carried out by the London County Council, and there should be a substantial improvement in the river next year.

Mr. Dodds

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is a good deal of feeling at the knowledge that some of the sewage is still being discharged into the river without being treated? Does the hon. Gentleman's Answer mean that next year no sewage will be discharged into the river without having been treated at the outfall works on both sides of the river?

Sir K. Joseph

I realise the importance of this matter to the hon. Gentleman's constituents, but that is a different question. I was asked about stench. This is a very large problem, and a very big programme to deal with it is in full swing. I hope that by the end of 1962, under all normal circumstances, the problem of stench will be at an end.

Mr. Dodds

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that the stench largely arises from untreated sewage? I asked whether it will be treated next year.

Sir K. Joseph

I realise that, but the stench is not only from untreated sewage. I was talking about the problem of dealing with the stench.

7. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what progress has been made in respect to the proposal of the Waverley Committee for a barrier across the Thames near Dartford designed to reduce the risks of flooding in London and the upper reaches of the river.

Sir K. Joseph

My right hon. Friend still has under consideration the reports made to him by the consultants who have examined this project, and he hopes soon to be able to publish a summary of these reports.

Mr. Dodds

Does the Parliamentary Secretary not appreciate that I have been asking this question and getting the same sort of answer for a long time? Is he not aware that there are many people who feel that no sense of urgency is being shown over it? Does it really need another tragedy such as that of 1953 to get some sort of action taken?

Sir K. Joseph

The hon. Member is taking an understandable interest in a project which is of very great size and very great complexity. When the report comes out, it will show him that this is not a matter which can be rushed.