§ Mr. Michael Shawasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what constraints there are on local authorities with regard to the discharge of sewage effluent into rivers, and if he intends to impose stricter and more effective control.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsAll discharges of trade and sewage effluent to non-tidal rivers are controlled by river authorities, who may refuse consents to discharge, or grant them subject to conditions, and may vary the conditions from time to time. The river authorities exercise similar controls over discharges to estuaries which are new since September 1960, and over all discharges to a small number of estuaries; and my right hon. and learned Friend has told the House that he hopes to introduce legislation during the lifetime of this Parliament to bring all remaining discharges to tidal waters under control, and to improve the existing system of controls.