asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take in order to prevent the pollution of rivers, and whether the clauses of the River Board Act dealing with this matter will he enforced forthwith.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and I have already established river boards for the following areas in accordance with the River Boards Act, 1948: Avon and Dorset, Bristol Avon, Hull and East Yorkshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Severn, Somerset, Yorkshire Ouse. Further boards will be established as soon as practicable. The prevention of river pollution is one of the main statutory functions of these Boards.