HC Deb 20 February 1968 vol 759 c226
30. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why he approves river authorities setting different standards of cleanliness of river water; when standards will be introduced for estuaries; and if he will take steps to co-ordinate the referred standards and to see that they are introduced gradually.

Mr. Skeffington

It is right that standards for effluents discharged to a river should vary according to conditions in the river at the point of discharge and the use made of the river downstream. There is a right of appeal to the Minister if Standards are thought too high. Standards can already be fixed for certain discharges to estuaries.

Mr. Wall

As the relevant legislation is seven years old and the Government have not even costed the price of cleaning our rivers, let alone estuaries, about which the Minister did not reply, will the hon. Gentleman take steps to co-ordinate this and bring in the increased costs gradually over a period of years?

Mr. Skeffington

I understand that under the Clean Rivers Act the river authorities pay special regard to the discharge of effluents into tidal waters and, indeed, have standards which are different and more advantageous to industry.

Mr. Wall

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I wish to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.