§ 76. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to say what improvement has been made with burning pit heaps; and whether he can give an assurance that satisfactory progress is being made?
§ Mr. ElliotOf 233 pit heaps found to be on fire slightly or seriously, 14 have 2620 been extinguished, and 173 others improved. I am satisfied with the progress at this stage of the review undertaken by my alkali inspectorate.
§ Mr. TinkerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a private Member's Bill, the Public Health (Coal Mine Refuse) Bill, in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson) dealing with this matter passed its final stage last night, and will he warn colliery owners that they had better get a move on or the law will be upon them?
§ Mr. GallacherWill the right hon. Gentleman also take care that, where improvement is made, smoke does not take the place of flames?
§ 77. Mr. G. Macdonaldasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the failure to bring about an improvement at the burning pit-heap situated at the Garswood Hill colliery, Bryn, near Wigan, he will take immediate steps to insist upon more effective measures being applied?
§ Mr. ElliotMy chief inspector has reported that improvement has already been effected by the method of spraying referred to in previous answers and he advises me that a continuance of the measures at present being taken will result in still greater improvement. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. MacdonaldIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Members for Wigan (Mr. Parkinson) and Leigh (Mr. Tinker) and myself saw this pit heap last Saturday morning and that we found it to be as bad as it was 12 months ago, and will he take further action in addition to that which is now suggested?
§ Mr. ElliotI was not aware of what the hon. Member has just said, and if he will send me details of his visits I will look into the matter.