HC Deb 17 October 1973 vol 861 cc177-9
4. Mr. Heffer

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps the Government are taking in consultation with the local authorities to deal with the situation arising from sewage effluent discharge into the River Mersey, as outlined in the Department of the Environment River Pollution Survey of England and Wales (SBN 11.750562/5); what financial aid is being made available to local authorities; and what further action is being taken to deal with all forms of pollution in the River Mersey.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Eldon Griffiths)

Following my visit in 1971, the river authority, together with local authorities and industry, established a Steering Committee on the Pollution of the Mersey Estuary, with the assistance of my Department. This committee is preparing a plan which will be placed before the new North West Water Authority to improve the estuary so that gross physical pollution is cleared away and the river ceases to stink.

Mr. Heffer

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that is a reasonably satisfactory answer? Is he further aware that since the 1970 survey seven sewage effluent discharges have become unsatisfactory and that the discharge of crude sewage is still at a very high level? Has he seen the plan submitted by Councillor Michael Black from Liverpool, supported by a university group, suggesting a recycling plant on Merseyside? Has he examined that plan? Can he say what is the Government's attitude to it and whether the Government are prepared to make funds available? In view of the fact that the River Mersey is a health hazard, is it not clear that speedy action is required in order to safeguard people's health, and that the profits of employers must come second to the health of their employees?

Mr. Griffiths

That is a reasonably satisfactory suggestion. I shall consider any proposal of the hon. Gentleman. I hope that he will accept that the Liverpool Corporation, as well as the other local authorities and the river board, has been very active in trying to improve the situation, which is one where we have all inherited the problems of many generations.

Sir R. Cary

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is a most urgent problem in the north-western area and that it is clear from documents published by the river authority that pollution of the River Mersey must be checked and cured?

Mr. Griffiths

I agree with my hon. Friend. It was with this in mind that I paid a visit to the Mersey for the purpose of getting a 10-year plan established in order to free the river of gross physical pollution and the odorous quality that it has at present.

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