HC Deb 01 July 1943 vol 390 cc1762-3
14. Sir John Mellor

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement with regard to the crane flies which breed in the sewage filter beds of the Birmingham, Tame and Rea District Drainage Board and infest the neighbourhood of Minworth and Curdworth; and what steps he is taking to secure the abatement of this nuisance?

Mr. E. Brown

I have assured myself by inquiry that the Drainage Board have, by temporary alterations in the composition of the sewage and by treatment with salt and, more recently, gas liquor, taken the best measures available within present knowledge, and with due regard to the preservation of the filters, to alleviate the conditions complained of. Expert research into the fauna in filter beds is in progress at Minworth under the auspices of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Sir J. Mellor

While I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his active intervention and while I recognise that the Drainage Board have tried to abate this disgusting nuisance, may I ask whether the facts do not indicate that there is something radically wrong with the system?

Mr. Brown

There is a difficulty on the scientific side; "Daddy long legs" are causing us a lot of trouble.

Sir J. Mellor

Will my right hon. Friend appoint a committee of inquiry to investigate this nuisance?

Mr. Brown

I have already said I will keep a special eye on the case, to which I am grateful to my hon. Friend for calling attention.