Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Sewer Discharges And River Pollution Control

15 November 2021 · 0 other contributors · 483 words

Opened by Philip Dunne Con Ludlow

Responding minister: Not recorded

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Philip Dunne raised concerns about sewer discharges and river pollution control in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • The hon. Member is concerned about uncontrolled dumping of sewage into river systems by water treatment works.
  • The hon. Member seeks measures in the upcoming planning Bill to separate surface water from foul water systems for new developments.
  • The hon. Member wants developers to contribute to the capital costs of infrastructure works necessary for full separation.

Key requests to Government

The hon. Member asks for measures to be included in the upcoming planning Bill to properly separate surface water from foul water systems for new developments, ensuring developers contribute to the capital costs of infrastructure works necessary for full separation and preventing excessive runoff from hard-standing areas causing problems at treatment plants not expanded over recent decades.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Philip Dunne Con Ludlow

The hon. Member is concerned about the uncontrolled dumping of sewage into river systems by water treatment works and the water sewage system, which has been overwhelmed for various reasons. He mentions that his private Member's Bill in 2020 was stimulated by campaign groups who brought attention to this issue, reflecting widespread awareness and horror at the state of rivers due to sewer discharges. The hon. Member disagrees with a previous description of an amendment made to the Bill and emphasizes the need for progressive reduction in sewer discharges enforceable under the new Environment Act.

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