§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many seaside towns in Great Britain discharge sewage into the sea and how many of those towns treat the sewage before doing so; and whether, in view of the likely damage to the health of bathers from sewage, he will consider publishing an annual report on the sewerage facilities of such towns, in order to encourage the local authorities to take action.
§ Mr. Eldon Griffiths149 sewerage authorities make discharges to the coastal waters of England and Wales through 333 principal outfalls. The discharges from 123 of the outfalls receive some form of treatment first. More detailed information is contained in the report of a Survey of Discharges of Foul Sewage to Coastal Waters, published a few days ago. A copy is available in the Library.
I shall consider my hon. Friend's suggestion for annual reports on discharges of sewage to the sea, although I have no evidence that they constitute a significant health risk to bathers.