HC Deb 05 July 1989 vol 156 cc179-80W
Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will call for a report on all river pollution incidents in the north-west in the last 12 months; if he will publish(a) details of such incidents and (b) action taken as a result of such incidents; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Howard

Responsibility for the control of river pollution in the north-west rests with the North West water authority. The authority reports incidents in its annual reports, and it is for them to take decisions on the action needed in individual cases. The only exceptions to this would be incidents caused by the authority itself. Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution investigates incidents of this kind which are brought to its attention and takes appropriate action. In addition it is, of course, open to anyone to take independent action in any particular case.