§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if further progress can be reported on the discussions which his Department has held with the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Coal Board, about research into methods required to eliminate pollution of rivers through mineral and other discharges from disused colliery workings.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsThese discussions, in which the Association of River Authorities also took part, were mainly concerned with proposals for ending the exemption of minewaters from statutory water pollution control. As a result, a consultation paper on the subject has been circulated. I am sending the hon. Member a copy. I am now considering the comments I have received on the paper.