§ 3. Mr. Palmerasked the Secretary of State for Wales what application has been made to him by the British Steel Corporation to discharge coke oven effluent into the Bristol Channel; and what representations have been made to him by the Bristol Corporation in connection with this application in view of the proposal to carry out toxic tests within the sea area of the city and port of Bristol.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mr. David Gibson-Watt)None, Sir. If any application is made it will be to the Usk River Authority. My right hon. and learned Friend has received a copy of a letter dated 21st October, 1970, from the Town Clerk of Bristol expressing concern, copies of which were sent to the hon. Member and other hon. Members.
§ Mr. PalmerDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that it is wrong that the Steel Corporation should be able to cross the Bristol Channel into Saxon territorial waters and discharge these noxious waste substances along the North Somerset coast without even having the courtesy to consult the Port of Bristol?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI am neither a Welsh Nationalist nor a Saxon Nationalist. This is, however, a most important question, into which the Usk River Authority is looking very carefully. That authority is entrusted with the responsibility under the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Act, 1951. My right hon. Friend will naturally watch this matter very carefully.
§ Mr. John MorrisWould the Minister say what attitude his colleague the Secretary of State will take on any application by the British Steel Corporation 1196 to site a new strip mill in Wales? Given the political decision taken by Mr. Macmillan to split the last development between Scotland and Wales, will he ensure that the Secretary of State uses his great political influence as Chairman of the Conservative Party to ensure that the next one comes to Wales?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattThat is another question of which I have no doubt my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will take cognisance.