§ 78. Mr. Spriggsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what improvements have been made by sewage disposal authorities since he issued Circular No. 37/66; what other action he is planning; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Denis HowellThe circular and its accompanying memorandum gave advice to river authorities and local authorities in circumstances where standards for effluent more restrictive than those of the Royal Commission on Sewage Disposal were appropriate. River authorities have for some years past, both before and since the issue of the circular, required more restrictive standards in appropriate cases and I expect that they will need to do so more often as the re-use of river water increases. As my hon. Friend knows, the Department is currently undertaking in collaboration with the river authorities a River Pollution Survey. The survey will show us what more needs to be done.
§ 79. Mr. Spriggsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many local authority sewage disposal authorities have applied for grants or loans during the last three years for the purpose of pumping a greater volume of untreated sewage into rivers or the sea; how many applications were refused on grounds of pollution; whether alternative sewage disposal schemes have been proposed for the coastal and river districts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis HowellIn the past three years only one authority has applied for loan sanction for a new sea outfall discharging untreated sewage. Its scheme provided for the extension and duplication of a small outfall from which untreated sewage had been discharged for 25 years without giving rise to offence or complaint. Loan sanction was issued. No applications have been received for loan sanction for new out-falls to rivers for untreated sewage. Several hundred loan sanctions have been issued for treatment works.