§ Mr. McCrindleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to increase the penalties for pollution of water supplies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe maximum penalties which can be imposed by Magistrates for offences under part II of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 are fines not exceeding £2,000 and terms of imprisonment of up to three months. On indictment there is no limit on the fine that may be imposed, and the term of imprisonment can be up to two years. Penalties for pollution offences are kept under regular review, but there are no immediate plans for increasing them.