Coal Mining Effluent

HC Deb 16 March 1994 vol 239 cc867-8

6. Mr. Hain

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about pollution of waterways with coal mining effluent.

Mr. Atkins

Discharges from coal mines in England and Wales are subject to regulation by the National Rivers Authority. It is for the operators and owners of those mines, in consultation with the National Rivers Authority, to determine what measures are necessary to avoid pollution.

Mr. Hain

Is the Minister aware that, notwithstanding his factually accurate answer, many hon. Members are frustrated by the buck-passing between British Coal and the National Rivers Authority? Is he aware that the Neath canal has recently been declared ecologically dead because of mine pollution? The Neath river is now heavily polluted and the Pelenna river in my constituency is regarded as the most polluted river in Britain? Will his Department please institute an urgent examination of the problem in conjunction with British Coal, its successors and the National Rivers Authority and will he make a statement in the House about this growing problem, which will get worse as more mines close.

Mr. Atkins

I am grateful that the hon. Gentleman thinks that my answer is factually correct. That in itself is an achievement. [Laughter.] I should perhaps have said that it was an achievement for the hon. Gentleman to have recognised it. Under the Water Resources Act 1991, the NRA has powers to prosecute any offence involving pollution from mines. In the particular case that the hon. Gentleman raises—the River Pelenna in his constituency —I understand that the NRA and West Glamorgan county council have joined forces to undertake a £1 million project aimed at restoring the quality of the river to support wildlife and removing the discoloration caused by mine water. If there are any other points relating to individual constituencies, I suggest that hon. Members take them up directly with the NRA.

Mr. Batiste

Does not the question highlight the need for debate in the House on the environmental impact of the coal industry, preferably before the Coal Industry Bill returns to the House on Report and Third Reading? Perhaps my hon. Friend would discuss the matter with his colleagues and suggest to them that there is considerable feeling on both sides of the House that such a debate should take place.

Mr. Atkins

I will certainly ensure that my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House is aware of my hon. Friend's concern.

Mr. Skinner

Will the Minister also take account of Coalite, which produces coke from coal and the fact that the dioxin effluent coming out of the factory into the River Doe Lea is 1,000 times above the requisite safety level? What steps are the Government taking to ensure that that is stopped? Is the National Rivers Authority doing anything about it? It seems rather laggardly in its action.

Mr. Atkins

I am very disturbed if, as I am sure it is, what the hon. Gentleman says about that river is true. I will ensure that the attention of the NRA is drawn to that case and that if action needs to be taken urgently it will be.