§ 63. Mr. BELLENGERasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a burning pit-tip at the Harworth colliery, in the Bassetlaw division of Nottinghamshire, is causing a nuisance and is injurious to the health of the residents in the near vicinity; and whether he will take steps to have the nuisance abated?
§ Sir K. WOODNo recent information on this subject, which is primarily a matter for the local authority to deal with, has reached me. I will bring the hon. Member's inquiry to the notice of the local authority.
§ Mr. BELLENGERIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this matter has been before the local authority, and that no effective action whatever has been taken? Is it possible for his Department to do something effective to abate this nuisance?
§ Sir K. WOODI have already stated that this is a matter for the local authority. I will bring the hon. Gentleman's questions to their notice.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIf the rural council default, have the county authority the power to step in and abate the nuisance?
§ Mr. C. BROWNWill the right hon. Gentleman indicate the way in which a local authority can deal with this matter?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is a matter for them.
§ Mr. BANFIELDWill the right hon. Gentleman give facilities for the Bill with regard to this matter which has been introduced by the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker)?
§ Sir K. WOODI have nothing to do with that.
§ 65. Mr. R. J. TAYLORasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the complaints coming from all the mining districts about the obnoxious fumes emanating from burning pit-heaps, he is prepared to introduce legislation to enable local authorities to take action in the matter?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir. I understand that the main difficulty is not the absence of statutory powers, but the devising of practical methods for controlling the tips.