HC Deb 12 February 1996 vol 271 c436W
Rev. Ian Paisley

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what attempts have been made by the fishery division to investigate the damage inflicted on the River Maine system by pollution. [13203]

Mr. Ancram

[holding answer 5 February 1996]: The statutory responsibility for investigating damage inflicted on water courses by pollution incidents lies with the Department of the Environment. The Fisheries Conservancy Board for Northern Ireland, acting as agents for the DOE, investigated a total of 29 reported incidents of pollution in the River Maine and its tributaries in 1995. As a result five prosecutions are pending and 12 warning letters were issued.