§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of the scheme to cleanse the river Mersey; what will be the cost; who will undertake the work; and what subvention there will be from central Government funds.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe North-West Water Authority has begun its programme to improve the Mersey estuary and is currently consulting interested parties on its proposed long-term strategy for improving rivers, estuaries and coastal waters throughout its region. The cost of the overall programme is estimated at £3.7 billion over 25 years, including £2.75 billion for improvements in the Mersey basin. The authority would be responsible for conducting the work. As for the possibility of subvention from central Government funds, I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 7 November 1983 to the hon. Member for Rochdale (Mr. Smith).—[Vol 48, c.16.]