HC Deb 27 February 1936 vol 309 cc643-4
63. Mr. BELLENGER

asked 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. WOOD

No 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. BELLENGER

Is 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. WOOD

I 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. WILLIAMS

If the rural council default, have the county authority the power to step in and abate the nuisance?

Mr. C. BROWN

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate the way in which a local authority can deal with this matter?

Sir K. WOOD

That is a matter for them.

Mr. BANFIELD

Will 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. WOOD

I have nothing to do with that.

65. Mr. R. J. TAYLOR

asked 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. WOOD

No, Sir. I understand that the main difficulty is not the absence of statutory powers, but the devising of practical methods for controlling the tips.