§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the National Rivers Authority regarding the deterioration in the water condition of the lower reaches and estuary of the River Ely; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettThe National Rivers Authority has a carefully planned strategy to improve the quality of the River Ely including the rebuilding of the sewage treatment works serving Tonyrefail, the construction of a new trunk sewer from Rhiwsaeson sewage treatment works to improve the quality of the River Clun, which flows into the Ely, and the transfer of the effluent from the Cogan outfall to the proposed new sewage treatment works at Lavernock. The strategy is being vigorously pursued by the authority. A number of benefits have already accrued and there should be further major improvements in the next three to five years. My right hon. Friend sees no need to consult the authority's chairman in these circumstances.