§ 76. Mr. MILLSasked the Minister of Health if he has received complaints of noxious and vegetable-destroying fumes from cement works on the banks of the River Thames; and, if so, what action is contemplated?
§ Miss LAWRENCEComplaints have been received regarding the emission of dust. An inspector of my Department has made investigations. In one case, steps have been taken to reduce the emission and the matter is continuing to receive attention. In the other case, the inspector reported that he was satisfied as to the result of the steps which had been taken.
§ Mr. ALBERYIn what way can duet be described as noxious fumes?
§ 86. Mr. MILLSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the measures taken to prevent nuisances by wasteful fumes from cement factories; and the comparative waste as between German works and British works?
§ Miss LAWRENCEI have been asked to reply. The emission of fumes is usually kept well in hand; the emission of dust gives more trouble. A good deal has been done and experiments are being conducted for dealing more effectively with the problem. Inspectors of my Department are in close touch with what is being done. I cannot at present say how works in this country compare with those in Germany.
§ Mr. MILLSIs the hon. Lady aware that in the schools in the Greenhithe and Swanscombe and Stone areas the whole staff are constantly complaining of the effect of the deposit arising from these fumes on the windows, and on the educational materials of the school, and 1533 that that also applies to the whole of the horticultural areas in the Greenhithe and Stone areas?
§ Miss LAWRENCEWe are well aware of these complaints, and we are giving the matter our most careful attention?