§ Mr. H. MORRISONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the pollution of the River Lee, where it passes through the Metropolitan Borough of Hackney, is still exceedingly serious; that, despite prosecutions of local authorities alleged to have let crude sewerage into the river, little or no improvement is taking place; and that the legal position in regard to the separate powers of the Middlesex County Council has created confusion so far as the County of Middlesex is concerned; whether, from the point of view of public amenity, public health, and the creation of much-needed employment, he will take steps to bring urgently before the Cabinet the question of putting in hand a main drainage system as satisfactory as that existing in the County of London, and, in relation to that of London, in respect of the urban districts of Edmonton, Enfield, Leyton, Walthamstow, and other districts affected?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am aware of the conditions affecting the River Lee Hackney, but steps are now being taken which should result in a marked improvement. At Enfield works are in hand for which a loan of £53,000 has been sanctioned, and the Edmonton Urban District Council also have decided to carry out improvements at a cost of approximately £90,000. The local authorities of Walthamstow and Leyton are negotiating with the London County Council with a view to the reception of their sewage into the Metropolitan system.