HC Deb 03 March 1942 vol 378 cc503-4
26. Sir R. Clarry

asked 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. Clarry

Does 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. Grenfell

I am sure my hon. Friend will not suggest stopping the washing of coal.

Sir Herbert Williams

Is not the hon. Gentleman familiar with plants for the recovery of slack?

Mr. Grenfell

To ensure that all the streams are kept clean would need far more plants than are available at the present time.