HC Deb 25 April 1989 vol 151 cc533-4W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what chemicals the Norsochem works is allowed to discharge into the Mersey; and in what quantities.

Mr. Moynihan

[holding answer 20 April 1989] : I understand that the company currently has deemed consent to discharge a range of organic chemicals into the Mersey. Details of the type and quantity of chemicals which the company is allowed to discharge are on the public register maintained by the North West water authority and available for inspection.

I understand that the North West water authority is shortly to replace the deemed consent with a positively determined consent. Details of this consent including the conditions to which it is subject, will also be entered on the public register.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many prosecutions relating to pollution of the Mersey his Department has brought against companies for the time for which figures are available; and what were the verdicts and fines in each case.

Mr. Moynihan

[holding answer 20 April 1989]: Responsibility for enforcement of water pollution controls over industry rests with the regional water authorities and comprehensive information about prosecutions is not held centrally.

However, I understand that in 1987, the North West water authority brought a total of 23 prosecutions for offences committed under part II of the Control of Pollution Act 1974, in the Mersey catchment as a whole. All resulted in convictions, with an average fine imposed of £680. Of the prosecutions brought in 1988, 17 have so far been tried, all resulting in convictions with average fines of £670.