§ Mr. GrahamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the state of the River Clyde regarding pollution; and what assessment he has made of whether(a) it is safe to eat fish and shellfish caught in the river at the lowest reaches, (b) it is safe to swim in the river at the lower reaches and (c) the new sewage outfall at Battery park in Greenock will cause any additional sewage problems in th Firth of Clyde.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe assessment arid control of pollution are the responsibility of the river purification authority, the Clyde river purification board. For many years the board, in co-operation with local authorities and industrialists, has actively promoted the improvement of the quality of discharges to the River Clyde throughout its length. The Clyde, like almost every other river in Scotland, has markedly improved in quality in recent years.
The safety of fish and shellfish on sale for human consumption is a matter for the local environmental health authority. I am not aware of any evidence of any problem which has arisen from swimming in the Clyde. The board carries out relevant monitoring of these waters.
The new sewage outfall at Battery park will replace a number of unsatisfactory outfalls with one which meets modern requirements and its completion will greatly improve present conditions.