HC Deb 16 February 1972 vol 831 cc100-1W
67. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will seek powers to regulate the emptying of tanks by sewage disposal contractors anywhere in the countryside, even with the permission of the land owner.

Mr. Graham Page

I am about to consult local authorities and other bodies concerned about this and other matters.

97. Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek powers to ensure that the level of bacteria in discharge from all sewage treatment plants currently under construction will be sufficiently low to avoid polluting inshore fishing and inhibiting the growth of the inshore fishing industry.

Mr. Peter Walker

The question whether a restriction on bacterial levels is justified by the potential effects of a new discharge on inshore fisheries can only be decided in the light of local circumstances. River authorities already have power to attach conditions to their consents for new discharges to controlled waters. As regards discharges to the sea direct and to other uncontrolled waters, this will be brought under control and the Government are considering what should be done to improve protection of the sea.