§ Mr. EVERARDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the pollution which has occurred to the River Witham at Bardney and the River Nene at Peterborough; whether he has received any communication from fishery boards in the district; and whether he intends to set up an official inquiry into this matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend has received no official communication on the subject from the fishery boards concerned, and would point out that these bodies themselves, and not the Ministry, have power to take action under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act, 1923. It is understood that in the first case referred to by the hon. Member proceedings are to be taken by the fishery board, and that in the second the matter is being discussed with the owners of the factory held re sponsible. Under present circumstances, therefore, my right hon. Friend does not think that an official inquiry is called for.