HC Deb 20 February 1968 vol 759 cc56-7W
Mr. Tom Boardman

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, what is his estimate of the capital expenditure to be incurred by industry and by local authorities in the treatment and disposal of trade effluent to give effect to the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Acts, 1951 and 1961 and the Public Health Act, 1961.

Mr. Greenwood

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to Questions by the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall), Bolton, East (Mr. Robert Howarth) and Yeovil (Mr. Peyton).

Mr. Tom Boardman

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, whether he will make a comprehensive review of the financial burdens imposed on industry for the discharge of trade effluent by the Public Health Act, 1961, and of the variations in the charges levied in different areas of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Greenwood

No. I have no evidence that undue burdens are being placed on industry generally. Given the basis of charge prescribed in the Act, charges are bound to vary in different areas.