HC Deb 03 March 1970 vol 797 cc251-2
32. Mr. Wellbeloved

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he expects to receive the report of the Committee on Sewage Disposal.

Mr. Greenwood

I understand that the working party is considering a draft for signature, and I hope to receive its report in a few weeks' time.

Mr. Wellbeloved

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if the report does not deal with the specific problem of London sewage disposal, it will cause grave anxiety? Is he further aware that the Conservative-controlled Greater London Council has plans in my constituency to deposit sewage sludge on open land within 300 yards of the Thamesmead housing development? This is quite outrageous. Will my right hon. Friend do something about it?

Mr. Greenwood

I should certainly be surprised if the report did not deal with the subject of pollution of the River Thames.

I should like to pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Holborn and St. Pancras, South (Mrs. Lena Jeger), who has been chairing this working party, which has worked extremely quickly and thoroughly. I believe that the report will be most valuable and will, I think please my hon. Friend.

Mr. Chataway

Even before receiving the report, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to consider withdrawing Circular 64/68, which has done so much to inhibit anti-pollution measures in rivers?

Mr. Greenwood

I could not possibly do that at this stage. It is wiser to wait for the report. Various considerations are involved. It would be unwise now to give the assurance for which the hon. Gentleman asks.