§ Mr.Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to prevent pollution of river estuaries such as the Humber; and if he is satisfied with the present arrangements for preventing contamination to rivers and the surrounding land.
§ Mr. FoxThe control of water pollution and the prevention of any resulting contamination of surrounding land is the responsibility of the regional water authorities. Their powers to control pollution to estuaries would be greater when part II of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 is implemented. We are considering the timing of this in the light of the likely expenditure involved and will make an announcement as soon as possible.