§ Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the recent report of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution; and whether, 600W in particular, he will support its suggestion that some priority should be given to speeding up the work on the estuarial pollution of the River Tyne.
§ Mr. Denis HowellMy right hon. Friend has noted the suggestion of the Royal Commission about the need to reduce pollution in the tidal reach of the River Tyne. My hon. Friend will appreciate, however, that investment on water services, in common with other public sector programmes, is subject to severe restraint in present circumstances. I have asked the water authorities, in framing their programmes for 1975-76, to give priority to schemes required for new housing and industry, or to meet urgent public health requirements.