HC Deb 30 January 1980 vol 977 cc688-9W
40. Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what financial assistance he will offer to local authorities facing substantial extra costs resulting from inshore pollution.

Mr. Fox

On the principle that the polluter should pay the Government expect local authorities to seek to recover their costs in dealing with inshore pollution from those responsible. Until that avenue is exhausted no question of Exchequer assistance should normally arise.