HC Deb 29 October 1957 vol 575 cc15-6W
87. Mr. Russell

aked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps are being taken to reduce the pollution of beaches round our coasts by sewage.

95. Mrs. Slater

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps are being taken to remedy the discharge of sewage into the sea, especially at holiday resorts.

Mr. H. Brooke

Provided that the siting and design of the outfalls are such as to ensure that the sewage is carried out to the open sea and not along the coast, the discharge of sewage into the sea is not necessarily objectionable and, indeed, is often an efficient and economical method of disposal. Where nuisance is caused, as has happened with some of the older outfalls, it is for the local authorities concerned to provide a remedy. They are well aware of their responsibilities in this matter, and a number of schemes in coastal areas have been carried out in recent years, or are in preparation, to improve outfalls or to provide preliminary treatment or both.

I am keeping a close watch on the position.