§ 2. Mr. Arthur Pearsonasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied that the amenities of the South Wales coast lines are adequately safeguarded by the existing arrangements for disposal of sewage and trade effluent; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Harold Finch)The maritime authorities in South Wales are continuously improving the sewage disposal arrangements. Since the war they have spent over £2.5 million on schemes involving new or improved outfalls, and they are now considering further schemes estimated to cost about £14 million. The authorities have in general shown themselves fully alive to their responsibilities for avoiding nuisance and my right hon. Friend is continuing to watch the position closely.
§ Mr. PearsonIs my hon. Friend aware that this little departure from the crawl of the past is welcomed, but is not the swamping of the beaches by sewage filth due to the vexatious delays between the evolving of schemes and the execution of the treatment of sewerage?
§ Mr. FinchIf my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind in the Bristol Channel, I shall be glad to look at it to see what progress can be made. I shall certainly do that.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWith a view to making improvements, will the hon. Gentleman consider some of the sewage schemes which exist in foreign countries?
§ Mr. FinchEvery factor will be borne in mind by the authorities that deal with it, and I am prepared to call their attention to anything that is relevant.