§ 57. Mr. TINKERasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the increasing number of burning coal bings in Lanarkshire; and, in view of the danger they cause to the health of the inhabitants, will he have an investigation made by his Department to find out the number and the area they cover?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. N. Maclean) on 6th June, of which I am sending him a copy. I would add that I have made inquiries from the local authority concerned, and am informed that the number of burning coal bings has tended to decrease in recent years and that generally speaking they are in isolated places where they do not appear to be dangerous to health. However, if any particular case is brought to my notice, I shall be very happy to have it investigated from the point of view of the health of inhabitants.