§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the cause of the recent pollution incident affecting a stretch of the River Darwen near Blackburn; and if he will make a statement. [26406]
§ Angela EagleFollowing a report by a member of the public of a fish kill in Hoghton Bottoms on 24 January, the Environment Agency undertook an investigation and confirmed the kill, the location of which has been identified as a point immediately downstream of industrial premises. The reaction of the fish indicates that they were killed by toxic material but the Agency is carrying out a full investigation to identify the nature and source of the incident. On completion of that investigation, the Agency will consider further action and will issue a statement.