§ 18. Mr. Simeonsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will indicate the action he is taking to ensure that the ability of firms in this country to compete with those overseas is not unduly handicapped when making decisions in respect of planning permissions opposed on grounds of uncertainty with regard to possible effects of pollution.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe possible effect of pollution from a proposed industrial use is a material consideration which local planning authorities should take into account in considering the planning application.
§ Mr. SimeonsIs my right hon. Friend taking any steps to discover, through statistical information, what sort of percentage of on-costs the cost of effluent treatment is in terms of total manufacturing costs? If he is not, will he look into this matter?
§ Mr. WalkerThese figures are impossible to obtain. There are many factors involved such as planning, the siting of industry, and so on. However, the public are demanding better standards of cleanliness in terms of production.
§ 23. Mr. Arthur Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what records are maintained of accidental leaks or spillages of toxic or poisonous materials from industrial or commercial concerns, which result in pollution of water courses; and how many such accidents have occurred in the past five years.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerSuch records are maintained by river authorities in order to administer the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Acts. In response to inquiries by their association, 23 of them have reported about 750 accidents in the 18 months ended last December, oil being the substance most often involved. Thanks in large part to prompt action by the river authority, fire service or firm concerned, pollution was prevented or contained in many of these cases.
§ Mr. JonesIs the Secretary of State satisfied about the level of penalties for those responsible for incidents of this kind, whether accidental or otherwise?
§ Mr. WalkerNo, Sir. We are reviewing this matter.