Untreated Sewage (Discharge into Sea)

HC Deb 26 October 1965 vol 718 cc8-9W

Mr. Rose

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will now take steps to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea.

Mr. MacColl

My right hon. Friend would not be justified in completely prohibiting the discharge of untreated sewage to the sea as there is no evidence that a properly sited and designed outfall is not safe and effective. The problem is that a number of outfalls now in use are defective. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT today information about local authorities' current schemes for improving outfalls and for treating their sewage before discharge.

Mr. Rose

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, how many local authorities are at present pumping untreated sewage into the sea.

Mr. MacColl

I would refer my hon. Friend to the information I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT today about the sewage arrangements of the principal coastal authorities.