§ Mr. C. WILSONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that it has been admitted by his Department that the condition of the rivers of this country at the present time is a national scandal; and what steps the Department proposes to take to prevent its continuance?
§ Sir R. SANDERS:The condition of many of the rivers and inland waters of this country is a matter of grave concern to my Department. The causes of and remedies for this state of affairs are being closely investigated by the Ministry, which has set up, to facilitate this purpose, a Standing Committee on Rivers Pollution on which all parties interested are fully represented. I would remind the hon. Member that local authorities already have powers under the Rivers Pollution Act, 1875, to deal with pollution.
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