§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the life cycle in salt water of sewage waste dumped off the north-east coast of England.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonSewage sludge is the byproduct of sewage treatment and is more than 95 per cent. water. The solid component consists of inorganic material such as soil, grit, sand and so on from run-off, together with organic solids such as those derived from food wastes, human and animal excreta and detergents. The organic solids are predominantly natural materials which are degradable in the marine environment by the action of dissolved oxygen, light and the diverse natural microbial flora. The rate of degradation varies according to the source of the individual components and the degree of sewage treatment. The ultimate products of degradation are carbon dioxide, inorganic nitrogen compounds and water.
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§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement on the health implications for fishermen fishing in water off the mouth of the river Tyne of the dumping of sewage waste;
(2) what advice he has given to fishermen fishing in waters off the north-east coast of England in the vicinity of the area used for the dumping of sewage waste.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe subject of sewage disposal at sea and fishermen's occupational health was raised by representatives of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations at a recent meeting with my officials. Arrangements were agreed with the fishermen's representatives for the reporting of medical evidence on this matter to the appropriate authorities, the Health and Safety Executive's employment medical advisory service.