§ Mr. Whitelawasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action he proposes to take on the recommendation of a sub-committee of the Central Advisory Water Committee that the period during which a river board is required to obtain his consent before instituting proceedings should be extended for a further three years.
§ Mr. H. BrookeSubsection (2) of Section 8 of the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Act, 1951, prohibits the institution of proceedings by river boards in respect of certain offences under the Act unless the consent of the Minister of Housing84W and Local Government is first obtained. This subsection is due to expire on 31st July next (that is, seven years after the passing of the Act) unless it is extended under subsection (3) for a further period in pursuance of Addresses to Her Majesty by both Houses of Parliament. The Trade Effluents Sub-Committee of the Central Advisory Water Committee recently submitted a report, which has been published, recommending that the original 7-year period should be extended for a further three years. This recommendation has been approved by the Central Advisory Water Committee. I consider that the Committee's advice should be accepted, and a Motion for an Address to extend the period accordingly has been placed on the Order paper.