§ 4. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he expects to approve the sewerage 237 scheme recently submitted by the Biggles-wade Rural District Council in Mid-Bedfordshire.
§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Anthony Greenwood)An engineering inspector is to visit the area on 10th March to investigate the council's scheme for Arlesey, Stotfold and neighbouring parishes, and I shall give my decision as soon as possible after I receive the report. I will send the hon. Member a copy of the decision letter.
§ Mr. HastingsIs the Minister aware that this is at least some cause for welcome in the area? The pollution of this part of the River Ouse is now giving cause for serious concern because of the delay with these essential schemes, and will he try to hurry up the decision?
§ Mr. GreenwoodPollution is a matter of great concern, but I hope the hon. Gentleman appreciates that, although we have been in discussion with the council for some considerable time, we had the last piece of information from it only on 9th February, and the fixing of the meeting with the inspector has taken place as quickly as possible after that.