HC Deb 19 March 1925 vol 181 cc2500-1W
Sir G. COLLINS

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in connection with the further application of the Clyde trustees for permission to deposit, for a period of four years, materials dredged from the river Clyde, if he will, before granting such permission, hold a public inquiry to take such other steps as may be necessary to ensure that pollution of the lower reaches of the Clyde will not take place, in view of the fears expressed by the Corporation of Greenock and other authorities that such deposit over a period of years will endanger the health and comfort of the people resident in and visiting health resorts on the river Clyde?

Sir B. CHADWICK

Yes, Sir, it has been decided to hold a further inquiry, and the Clyde Navigation Trustees have been asked whether Thursday, the 2nd April, would be a convenient date. Full opportunity will be given to all interests, including those represented by the hon. Member, to state their objections at the inquiry, a proportion of the cost of which, I assume, they will be willing to bear.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether further requests have been made by the Clyde Navigation Trustees for leave to deposit dredging on Roseneath Patch; whether he is aware that such deposits, which were originally authorised in war time, have resulted in a pollution of the Cowal shore and have been found to be dangerous to the sanitary state of the whole district; and whether he will decline permission for the renewal of any such deposit of dredged matter?

Sir B. CHADWICK

The Clyde Navigation Trustees have applied for permission to continue the deposit of dredgings in the area at Roseneath Patch approved for this purpose in 1923. It has been decided to hold shortly a public inquiry at which any local authority who objects to these deposits will have full opportunity of stating their case, and of submitting any evidence they may possess tending to show that these deposits have caused pollution of the shore adjacent to their districts.