HC Deb 17 February 1977 vol 926 cc320-1W
Mr. Ovenden

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the fact of the discharge of incompletely treated sewage into the River Thames, he is taking action to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

Mr. Denis Howell

The Thames Water Authority is responsible for pollution control of the River Thames. I understand that there have been occasional discharges of partially treated sewage from the Long Reach sewage treatment works at Dartford owing to alterations and extensions to these works, but I am advised that they are unavoidable and have not had any significant long-term effect on the quality of the water in the estuary.