HC Deb 06 December 1974 vol 882 cc656-7W
Mr. O'Halloran

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will initiate a thorough inquiry into the hazards to London's water supplies arising out of the dumping of toxic waste at Pitsea by Redland Purle.

Mr. Denis Howell

This is a matter for the local authorities and the water authorities concerned. Water at present abstracted for drinking water in London or elsewhere is uncontaminated by effluent from Pitsea, and surveys undertaken to date do not suggest that any significant risk exists to water supplies. I am currently discussing with all the authorities concerned the desirability of continually monitoring the situation to ensure that the present position is maintained.