§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local coastal authorities dispose of sewage untreated into the sea; how many do not carry it beyond the low water mark; and what proposals he has to assist these authorities to establish other treatment and disposal standards.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsNinety-seven authorities make one or more discharges of untreated sewage to the sea. Of these, 73 have outfalls at or below low water mark, but several of these are controlled so that discharges occur only at favourable conditions of the tide when the outfall is submerged. My right hon. and learned Friend has been and is prepared to authorise borrowing by a local authority for capital expenditure on necessary improvements in methods of disposal. Responsibility for such expenditure will pass next year to the water authorities proposed to be set up under the Water Bill now before Parliament.