§ 26. Sir R. Clarryasked the Secretary for Mines what steps he is taking to prevent the large quantities of fine coal discharging into the Monmouthshire river Ebbw from colliery washings; and whether he is aware that this fine coal represents the waste of several thousand tons of coal per month and is a costly nuisance to the Newport harbour and dock authorities?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)It is impossible to prevent the escape from settling tanks at a coal-washing plant of a percentage of effluent water. Such tanks take out the bulk of the solids in the washery water and only a small quantity of the finest particles escape. There is a shortage of commercial flocculation agents and it would not be practicable to equip the necessary plant to ensure that all the coal dust is intercepted.
§ Sir R. ClarryDoes my hon. Friend think it possible not to use the washing plant at all, because this is a serious waste and is contradictory to his appeal to economise fuel?
§ Mr. GrenfellI am sure my hon. Friend will not suggest stopping the washing of coal.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsIs not the hon. Gentleman familiar with plants for the recovery of slack?
§ Mr. GrenfellTo ensure that all the streams are kept clean would need far more plants than are available at the present time.