HC Deb 28 July 1971 vol 822 cc97-8W
82. Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with present legislation covering pollution of rivers and other inland water; and it he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

Several of the recommendations made by the Working Party on Sewage Disposal suggest fresh legislation to extend and strengthen the control of river pollution. I shall be announcing the Government's conclusions on these very soon.

89. Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now seek to amend the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Act, 1951, in order to facilitate the making of prosecutions for accidental pollution, and to increase the maximum fine permitted for such offences.

Mr. Peter Walker

I hope to announce soon the Government's conclusions on the main recommendations of the Working Party on Sewage Disposal, which include a strengthening of the law relating to accidental pollution; and on our review of the penalties for all forms of pollution of the environment.