HC Deb 08 March 1960 vol 619 cc217-8
11. Mr. Manuel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in how many cases river purification boards have insisted on suitable plant being installed to treat industrial effluent before emission to rivers; how many prosecutions for pollution have been undertaken by these boards since their inception; and with what results.

Mr. Galbraith

In seventy-two cases so far consents given by river purification boards for new industrial outlets or discharges have included conditions calling for the installation of treatment plant. There have been seven prosecutions involving offenders in fines of up to £15, but I understand none has involved an industrial effluent.

Mr. Manuel

Is the Joint Undersecretary of State aware—I am sure he is—that there is still a great deal of obnoxious and poisonous effluent being emitted into Scottish rivers? What further steps does he think should be taken in order to stop that particular nuisance? He says that industry has been notified by the river purification boards about the installation of plant to treat this effluent. Does he know whether that plant has been installed? It is no use calling upon industry to install plant unless someone sees that the work is done.

Mr. Galbraith

I have a great deal of sympathy for the hon. Member's point of view, as I think he knows, and I realise that a great deal has still to be done. I understand that in some 130 cases treatment plant has been installed on the advice of the board up to date.