HC Deb 17 June 1918 vol 107 c60W
General CROFT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the London County Council has had an offer of dealing profitably with the whole of the London sludge now discharged into the estuary of the Thames by turning it into a fertiliser for the land; and, if so, whether he intends to take any action?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

I have been asked to answer this and the following question. I am informed that during many years the London County Council has received from time to time suggestions for dealing with the London sewage in a manner different from that hitherto adopted. Recently it has been suggested to the council that the whole of the sludge could be profitably turned into a fertiliser, but, in the opinion of the council's responsible advisers, no scheme that would he at once practicable and economical has yet been evolved.

General CROFT

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total amount of sludge discharged at Barking and Crossness into the sea?

Mr. FISHER

The total amount of sludge sent from Barking and Crossness and discharged into the sea averages about 2,500,000 tons annually, of which over 90 per cent. is water.