asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he hopes to complete his discussions with representatives of industry on the question of secrecy in relation to reports on pollution and effluent by his inspectors.

As soon as possible.

How does this excess of departmental wisdom come about? Industrial competition is no longer a good reason.

We have had the debates on the Bill and we wanted to obtain the maximum disclosure, but balanced with common sense, and we are continuing talks to that effect now.