HC Deb 04 April 1939 vol 345 c2620
54. Mr. W. Joseph Stewart

asked the Minister of Health the number of refuse heaps that are still burning in Durham; and the number that have been extinguished since their treatment by the Ministry's inspectors?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernays)

Thirty-six out of 52 pit-heaps in the county are burning. Three have been extinguished since the beginning of the survey last summer by my alkali inspectors.

Mr. Paling

Is the Minister assured that this method of dealing with these fires is effective, and that fire does not break out again after a lapse of time?

Mr. Bernays

I cannot give a definite-answer to that until we have had more time.

Mr. R. J. Taylor

Is the Minister certain that this alkali treatment is not feeding the fires instead of putting them out?

Mr. Bernays

I have no evidence of that.