Extracts from Commons consideration of Lords amendments to the Environment Bill - Oct 20
Thursday, 21 October 2021 08:50
Cherilyn Mackrory (Truro and Falmouth) (Con):...However, the
Government could go further. I am constantly pressed on this matter
by Surfers Against Sewage which is based in my
constituency, and by a large number of passionate constituents, and
I share their frustrations. Without the legal duty, there is
nothing to compel water companies to take immediate action to
tackle sewage pollution, which could mean that our rivers continue
to decline indefinitely and irreversibly. The cynic...Request free trial
(Truro and Falmouth)
(Con):...However, the Government could go further. I am constantly
pressed on this matter by Surfers Against
Sewage which is based in my constituency, and by a
large number of passionate constituents, and I share their
frustrations. Without the legal duty, there is nothing to compel
water companies to take immediate action to tackle sewage
pollution, which could mean that our rivers continue to decline
indefinitely and irreversibly. The cynic in me understands why the
Government cannot commit to this at this stage. It is my
opinion—and it is only my opinion—that were the provision put in
the Bill, the water companies would be compelled to say that, as
the Government have put it in the Bill, they have to pay for the
infrastructure upgrade. To pay for it, therefore, we either have to
put up taxes or put up bills. That is a conversation that must
happen down the line; it is not right to compel the Government to
do that right now. That is the only reason why I am supporting the
Government on this matter at this time, but they should be
reassured that I will be pressing DEFRA again and again to make
sure that we get this matter absolutely right...
(East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con):...The Bill, as it
is framed, does not go far enough. Without that legal obligation,
water companies can still cause harm by their sewage discharges and
there is no guarantee of any immediate action to tackle sewage
pollution. I shall be supporting the Duke of Wellington’s amendment
because my constituency has a coastline with some of the best
kitesurfing in the country at Lancing, because I
support Surfers Against
Sewage and because I am a coastal MP for a
constituency where we have had many instances of discharge...
To read the whole debate, CLICK HERE
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