§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many convic- 222W tions were obtained for offences connected with the pollution of rivers and streams in England and Wales; and what was the average fine awarded for these offences during 1972.
§ Mr. CarlisleI have been asked to reply.
I am arranging to obtain such information as is available, and I shall write to the hon. Member.
§ 39. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total number of incidents of river pollution noted by the responsible authorities during 1971 and 1972 and the total number of cases in each year where prosecution followed.
§ Mr. Graham PageI regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available, since river authorities are not required to publish or make returns of the numbers of incidents. We intend to provide, in legislation that my right hon. and learned Friend hopes to introduce in the present Parliament, for more information of this kind to be made available to the public.
The second part of the Question is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, who will write to the hon. Member.