HC Deb 05 March 1969 vol 779 c115W
Sir W. Robson Brown

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set up a committee to consider the desirability of widening the statutory powers and responsibility of the Thames Conservancy to cover the whole of the Thames catchment area; and if he will make available grants and loans to cover these new requirements, with the necessary larger and highly qualified professional and technical staff.

Mr. John Mackie

No. The Thames Conservancy has already assumed responsibility for substantially more "main river" than any other river authority and it can always apply for further watercourses to be brought under its control if it considers this appropriate.