§ Lady Apsleyasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the destruction of fish life due to pollution of the river Avon below Bath, in the Somerset-shire Axe, in the Froom at Stapleton and in many other small streams in Gloucestershire; and if steps are being taken to compel offenders not only to make compensation to the anglers whose sport is affected, but also to prevent deleterious substances finding their way into rivers with risk to the health of the people and the spoliation of the countryside.
Mr. HudsonI have received complaints as to the pollution of various streams in this area and have been in communication with some of the authorities concerned, but I have myself no power to prevent pollution or to enforce the payment of compensation to persons or bodies who may suffer damage.