HC Deb 18 November 1969 vol 791 c1088
5. Mr. Arnold Shaw

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress is being made by the Working Party on Sewage Disposal.

Mr. Greenwood

The working party for whose work I am most grateful has completed its programme of visits, and the examination of evidence and of various papers on aspects of its work. The drafting of its report is expected to take another three months. I expect it to make a valuable contribution to our knowledge of ways and means of protecting our environment against pollution.

Mr. Shaw

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the House welcomes the progress being made? While we have not got the report, I hope that when it comes he will act quickly on its findings.

Mr. Greenwood

I would not like there to be any suggestion that the working party has not worked quickly. It held its first meeting on 6th March and it has four or five further meetings to hold in order to finalise the report. It has worked with admirable expedition and I hope that any necessary actions will follow equally expeditiously.

Mr. John Wells

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has recently been a massive case of fish poisoning in the River Medway due to pollution? This has caused grave anxieiy to angling clubs, which are in considerable financial difficulties because their overdraft reduction depends on having new members, whereas pollution means death, fewer fish and, therefore, fewer members, which in turn means difficulties with the bank manager and the Government. I appreciate that the right hon. Gentleman has acted as quickly as he could, but can he look particularly at the problems of angling clubs?

Mr. Greenwood

I am sure that the working party will take account of the point made by the hon. Gentleman.