HC Deb 14 February 1980 vol 978 cc780-1W
Mr. John Home Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations with local and neighbouring authorities and individuals took place before the experimental shutdown of sewage treatment works in the Borders region.

Mr. Rifkind

This is a matter for the Borders regional council, but I understand that it consulted the Tweed River purification board about its proposal, on the basis that the river quality would not be affected and there was no possibility of a health hazard.

Mr. John Home Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the experimental shutdown of Cold stream sewage treatment works commenced; and if he will publish the Scottish Office circular which instigated this experiment.

Mr. Rifkind

The operation of sewage treatment works is a matter for the regional council. There is no Scottish Office circular which instigated the experiment, nor have I issued any circular requesting economies in sewage treatment. Finance Circular No. 12/1979 of 26 June 1979 conveyed to local authorities the implications for local authority current and capital expenditure of the Government's economic and fiscal policy.

Mr. Beith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it was his intention in issuing a circular last July referring to the need to economise in sewage treatment that sewage works should be closed down or operated at a level which permits the discharge of raw sewage into the River Tweed; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Rifkind

I have not issued any circular requesting economies in sewage treatment. Finance circular No. 12/1979 of 26 June 1979 conveyed to local authorities the implications for local authority current and capital expenditure of the Government's economic and fiscal policy. It is for local authorities to decide whether economies in operating sewage treatment plant are a feasible option, but I have no reason to believe that the Borders regional council, in undertaking an experiment at times of high river flow, ignored the necessary standards of public health and amenity.