§ Mr. McKay70, 71 and 72. asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (1) if he is aware of the pollution of the River Tyne which is detrimental to the health of the people and is making bathing at the popular resorts of Tynemouth and Whitley Bay a risk to health; and if he will institute an inquiry in conjunction with the local authorities to see what can be done to improve the position;
(2) if he is aware that the greatest concentration of the filth that flows down the River Tyne is concentrated at Wallsend in its final passage; and if he will consult with the Wallsend Borough Council about the effect of this upon the health of the Wallsend people;
(3) if he will consider the advisability of preventing any more trips up the River Tyne because of its filthy condition, and introduce the necessary legislation giving him the power to do this.
§ Mr. BevinsI am well aware of the concern which is felt about the condition of the river, but I do not think that at26W this stage I can usefully add to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Tynemouth (Dame Irene Ward) on 4th November.