HC Deb 17 February 1971 vol 811 cc451-2W
17. Mr. Benyon

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will bring forward proposals for combining water authorities with sewage authorities following the Report of the Working Party on Sewage Disposal.

Mr. Peter Walker

As the working party noted, future organisation is something the Central Advisory Water Committee was asked to consider. I have just received its report, and it has been sent for printing. The Government's conclusions on the matter will be announced as soon as possible.

54. Mr. Arthur Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what conclusion he has reached concerning the introduction of legislation which would impose an absolute liability for pollution of rivers, streams, underground watercourses and sewage systems arising from accidental spillage, as recommended by the Working Party on Sewage Disposal.

Mr. Peter Walker

I expect to announce shortly the Government's conclusions on all the main recommendations in the working party's report.