§ 144. Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he takes to ensure contaminated agents washed off in slaughterhouses are not present in sewage effluents reaching rivers and beaches; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Trippier[holding answer 19 October 1990]: The levels of contaminants in trade effluents entering sewers in England and Wales are subject to strict control by the relevant sewerage undertakers. Statutory powers are available to the undertakers which enable them to set such quality standards as are necessary to ensure that their treated sewage can meet the terms of the discharge consents granted by the National Rivers Authority. The quality conditions set by the undertakers for trade effluents also ensure the structural safety of their sewers and the protection of the health of those who work in them.