§ MR. R. N. FOWLERasked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether he is prepared to lay before the House the private reports of the Government chemists with reference to the tests to be applied to the gases or vapours emitted front cement works; and, whether he is aware that no means exist for consuming carbonic acid gas; and if, in these circumstances, he is prepared to state what are the best practical means which cement manufacturers are to be required to use, in order to comply with the Act?
§ MR. DODSONSir, there are no Reports, either private or public, from the Government chemists as to the specific quantitative tests to be applied to these works. I am aware that no means of a practicable character exist for consuming carbonic acid gas; but that is not the gas complained of. What is complained of is the acidity other than that from carbonic acid, the density of the vapour, and the smell. Although I am not prepared at this moment to state what are the best practicable and available means cement manufacturers might be required to use, I am advised that these works may be conducted, in many instances, so as to give out less offensive vapour than is now the case, and that the vapour given out may be allowed to escape in such a manner as to be dispersed much better than at present.