HC Deb 20 June 1950 vol 476 cc109-10W
Mr. J. Grimston

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to reduce the pollution of the River Severn by the discharge of inadequately treated sewage at Llanidloes.

Mr. Bevan

I have recently approved a scheme for improved sewage treatment by the local authority.

Mr. J. Grimston

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to reduce the pollution of the River Dee by the discharge of untreated sewage at Corwen.

Mr. Bevan

I understand that the local authority have a scheme for sewage treatment in preparation.

Mr. J. Grimston

asked the Minister of Health 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 Nelson.

Mr. Bevan

The authority primarily responsible for the administration of the river pollution law in this area is the Lancashire Rivers Board and I have no reason to think that they are not making the fullest use of their powers to secure by all practicable means the reduction of pollution by trade effluents. I have received no recent complaints from the area.

Mr. J. Grimston

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to reduce the pollution of the River Lune by the discharge of sewage at Bentham on the Wenning.

Mr. Bevan

I have received no complaints about this, but if the hon. Member would let me have further particulars I should be glad to make inquiries.

Mr. Granville

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the pollution of the River Gipping is causing considerable distress and dissatisfaction amongst the local population; and what steps he proposes to take to expedite arrangements for preventing this long and continued pollution.

Mr. Bevan

I assume that the question relates to the pollution of the river at Stowmarket. The first step of the local authority's sewerage and sewage disposal scheme is now nearly complete, and is expected to improve the condition of the river. I am in touch with the local authority about the further works required, but these cannot be finally settled until the first step of the scheme is in operation and the results have been studied.