HC Deb 10 November 1971 vol 825 cc153-4W
41. Mr. Lamond

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will ensure that the water being supplied to consumers in the West Pennine Water Board area is pure and wholesome, and that the level of chlorination is not so high as to affect the health of consumers, both private and industrial, especially, in the later case, breweries in the area.

Mr. Graham Page

It is the statutory duty of the water board to provide a water supply that is wholesome and the statutory duty of each local authority in its area to ascertain whether it is. I am advised that the concentration of chlorine in this water was increased as a temporary measure following unsatisfactory bacteriological reports. This is a recogised precaution in such circumstances which will not affect the health of consumers. The board and the Oldham M.O.H. are keeping a careful watch on the situation.