Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, prior to his decision to grant permission for the construction of a weir on the River Tees at Croft, he made inquiries to ascertain whether the water requirements of Imperial Chemical Industries were realistic and whether the company was using water as efficiently as possible; and what consideration he gave to the view of his inspector that water should not be taken from the river at Croft, unless the need was overriding.
§ Mr. MacCollMy right hon. Friend took the decision on the evidence produced at the two public inquiries. This satisfied him that the need for the additional water was established. He gave full consideration to the reports of both inspectors and came to the conclusion that the Croft scheme should be allowed to proceed.