HC Deb 10 July 1974 vol 876 cc1343-4
10. Sir John Gilmour

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what information is available on the amount of sewage and sludge being dumped at sea round the coasts of Scotland at the present time; what increased amounts are likely to be dumped in the future; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Millan

About 1½, million tons of sewage sludge from 18 local authorities are dumped annually by Glasgow Corporation in the Fifth of Clyde. Dundee may also be dumping sewage sludge in the North Sea by the end of this decade. Edinburgh Corporation proposes to dump annually about half a million tons of sludge off the east coast from 1976. Monitoring has not shown that dumping has any serious effects.

Sir J. Gilmour

Does the Minister agree that the Firth of Forth fishermen suffer a great deal from dumping? For instance, surplus ammunition has been dumped in the Firth, and now they have to contend with sewage sludge. Will the Minister make certain that assurances are given to the industry that no harm will come to fish as a result of these operations?

Mr. Millan

I believe that there have been discussions and representations about getting an appropriate site, but I have no evidence that the dumping affects fishing or anything else. Any difficulties arising there would be a good deal fewer than those arising at present as a result of raw sewage being pumped into the Forth.

Mr. MacCormick

Is the Minister aware that one of the most important growth industries on the west coast of Scotland is fish farming, which faces particular problems as a result of this activity?

Mr. Millan

I shall certainly keep that in mind. This is Scottish sludge we are talking about.