§ Lady Apsleyasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that there is pollution of the River Thames; and what steps are being taken to deal with it.
1898W
§ Mr. WillinkI am aware of the difficulty of maintaining the standard of effluents discharged to the Thames, and that the effect of pollution is accentuated by the low flow of the river. As the Thames Conservators recognise, little new work can be done during the war, since there are many competing claims for labour and materials, but certain more urgent works have been carried out. A number of authorities have also had difficulties in obtaining labour for maintenance, and in some of these cases the District Man Power Boards have been able to assist.