HC Deb 03 March 1971 vol 812 cc431-3W
56. Mr. David Reed

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give details of the projects involved in the expenditure of £45 million on sewerage schemes and £4 million on water resources which he announced for the Northern Region on 19th February, 1971.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

It could be misleading to give details of projects in this context. The figures are forecasts covering several years ahead of the level of capital expenditure likely to be achieved by the authorities responsible for these services, given the general expansion of activity in these fields and the implementation of projects, including major ones, some of which will not be submitted for authorisation until later in the period.

Mr. Urwin

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how much he proposes to invest in new sewerage schemes and extensions to existing works in the Northern Region in each year from 1971 to 1974;

(2) which local authorities in the Northern Region will benefit from provision of new sewerage schemes, or extension of existing works, during the period 1971 to 1974;

(3) how many sewerage schemes included in the 1971 to 1974 programme for the Northern Region were approved or planned before 18th June, 1970; where such schemes are located; and what is their capital value.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

The forecast my right hon. Friend gave to the House on 19th February of investment in sewerage and sewage disposal schemes in the Northern Region allows for the expected substantial expansion of activity in these fields, including the implementation, subject to statutory approval, of several major schemes.

The forecast shows the amount of investment which the Government have planned to make available for this purpose and which they expect to be taken up. It is not broken down in the degree of detail requested by the hon. Member, but in practice local authorities are under no restriction as to the schemes they may submit for approval.

Mr. Bob Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will give approval to the Tyneside Sewage Disposal Scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

My right hon. Friend will give his decision as soon as possible.