§ 69. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the health committee of the Manchester City Council have decided to get powers to experiment with a smokeless zone in one part of the city, as they are of opinion it will be beneficial to the health of the people; and will he consider giving powers to local authorities to control burning pit-heaps by establishing smokeless zones in the same way?
§ Mr. ElliotI am aware that the Manchester Public Health Committee have had this matter under review, but I have not been informed of the specific proposals in contemplation or the powers which they may think it necessary to seek. As regards the second part of the question, arrangements have been made for my alkali inspectors, in conjunction with the inspectors of the Mines Department, to visit the burning pit-heaps and to explore the practicability of abatement and prevention. It is doubtful whether legislation would facilitate the solution of this problem.
§ Mr. TinkerShould the local authorities desire this legislation, would the right hon. Gentleman give consideration to it?
§ Mr. ElliotI am afraid that that is a hypothetical question.