§ 20. Mr. Oswaldasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will introduce early legislation in order to reduce the pollution of rivers and estuarial waters in Scotland.
§ Mr. YoungerExtensive powers to deal with pollution already exist under the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) (Scotland) Acts, but my right hon. Friend is reviewing these at present.
§ Mr. OswaldI appreciate the hon. Gentleman's reply, but does not he recognise that a growing amount of industrial effluent and untreated sewage is being poured into rivers and estuarial waters in and around Scotland? Will he give a directive to the local authorities to do something immediately about the health hazard?
§ Mr. YoungerI share the hon. Gentleman's concern. Discharges to rivers and estuaries can be controlled by river purification authorities at present. If steps are needed to strengthen the controls, they will be taken.