HC Deb 23 July 1968 vol 769 c246
14. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will now take steps to facilitate the co-operation between industry and local government in the development of joint schemes for the disposal of trade effluent.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Anthony Greenwood)

Many sewerage authorities already consult local industry when they are planning new or extended disposal works to deal with voluminous or difficult trade waste, and I have urged in a recent circular that this should be the general practice.

Mr. Wall

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the present situation, in which industry gets grants for this purpose and local authorities do not, is absurd? Would not a joint scheme prove more economic? Should not that attract some form of grant?

Mr. Greenwood

I do not think that a joint scheme is the way to deal with the problem. Ownership of sewage disposal works must be under one body and not a joint undertaking of the kind the hon. Gentleman suggests. But I appreciate the interest he takes in this problem.