HC Deb 24 March 1981 vol 1 c308W
Mr. Maxton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he takes to ensure that ordnance factories and other establishments under his control obey regulations concerning water pollution.

Mr. Goodhart

Royal ordnance factories and other Ministry of Defence establishments have been instructed to comply voluntarily with legislation on water pollution. I am satisfied that reasonable liaison is maintained with local water authorities and that both statutory legislation and local authority byelaws are being met.

Mr. Maxton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received concerning pollution of rivers by ordnance factories and other establishments under his control.

Mr. Goodhart

To date two representations only have been received by my right hon. Friend and myself concerning pollution of rivers and both refer to alleged pollution of the River Gryffe by the Royal ordnance factory, Bishopton.

Mr. Maxton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will seek to introduce legislation to ensure that ordnance factories and other establishments under his control have to comply with the same laws on river pollution as other public and commercial bodies.

Mr. Goodhart

No. Although Royal ordnance factories and other Ministry of Defence establishments are not bound by legislation on river pollution, they comply with it voluntarily.

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