§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if there have been any occasions in the last five years on which water authorities have been prosecuted for pollution offences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy Department has not prosecuted any water authority in the last five years for pollution offences.
The comprehensive controls over discharges contained in part II of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 were brought into force only two years ago. The major review of consents undertaken as part of the implementation of the 1974 Act led to certain consents being granted subject to review after a specified period and to the water authority undertaking capital investment to improve effluent quality.