HC Deb 01 March 1977 vol 927 c126W
Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total expenditure by regional water authorities on river pollution in 1976; and in how many cases industrial organisations were prosecuted for allowing polluted discharges into water courses.

Mr. Denis Howell

In the financial year 1975–76, water authorities in England and Wales spent £6.7 million on the exercise of their functions under the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Acts 1951 to 1961. In 1974, proceedings under these Acts were taken against 84 persons, of whom 81 were found guilty.