§ Mr. J. Grimstonasked the Minister of Health (1) what steps he is taking to reduce the pollution of the River Eden, which is caused by the combination of effluent from the sewage works at Carlisle and hot water from the power station;
(2) what steps he is taking to reduce the pollution of the River Tyne by the discharge of untreated sewage at Wylam;
(3) what steps he is taking to reduce the pollution of the River Dee by the discharge of untreated sewage at Mold;
(4) what steps he is taking to reduce the pollution of the River Severn by the discharge of untreated sewage at Welsh-pool;
(5) what steps he is taking to reduce the pollution of the River Lune by the discharge of factory effluents and sewage at Middleton;
(6) what steps he is taking to reduce the pollution of the River Ribble which is caused by the discharge of factory effluents into the Calder tributary at Burnley.
§ Mr. BevanEnforcement of the Rivers Pollution Prevention Acts is one of the statutory functions of the new river boards which are now being established. A river board is already in operation for the River Severn and it is proposed to establish further boards shortly covering the other rivers referred to. Pending the setting up of these boards responsibility for administering the Rivers Pollution Prevention Acts rests with the local authorities or with existing joint boards, such as the Lancashire Rivers Board whose area includes the Rivers Lune and Ribble. I am prepared to give such assistance as lies within my power in furthering action taken by these authorities to reduce pollution, if my assistance is needed, and also to approve proposals by local authorities for the provision of improved sewerage and sewage disposal facilities to the full extent that national resources permit.