HC Deb 03 June 1943 vol 390 cc380-1W
Sir G. Jeffreys

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning to what ex- tent he bears the responsibility for the prevention of the pollution of rivers, as this is vital to the preservation of natural amenities.

Mr. W. S. Morrison

Responsibility under the Rivers Pollution Prevention Acts, 1876 and 1893, rests locally with local authorities and river boards, and centrally with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. I also bear a responsibility under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, since rivers may be affected by the allocation of land for industrial purposes under a planning scheme and by permissions to erect industrial buildings. In relation to such matters when they came before me I should consider the danger of river pollution in consultation, if necessary, with my right hon. Friend.