§ 1. Mr. Mitchisonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that in or about July explosives used by Stewarts and Lloyds, Limited, caused damage to property and risk of injury to persons in Stephenson Way, Corby, and that Weldon Parish Council have cause to complain to that company about noise and damage from blasting at night; and what steps he will take to supervise blasting in the company's ironstone quarries near houses.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Gaitskell)My responsibility in connection with blasting at quarries is limited to securing the safety and health of the persons employed, but the rules that have been made for that purpose also provide that
where danger from blasting may arise to the public, efficient means shall be taken to give them due warning.My inspectors report that this requirement is complied with at the ironstone quarry near Stephenson Way, Corby. I have no powers or responsibility in respect of noise or damage to property resulting from the blasting at these quarries.
§ Mr. MitchisonWill my right hon. Friend look into the circumstances not 1654 only at Stephenson Way, but also at Weldon, and will he consider how effective warning can be given to the inhabitants of Weldon when they are sleeping in their beds at night, or how damage can be avoided to church windows when the church is empty?
§ Mr. GaitskellAccording to my inspectors' report, adequate warning was provided, but I will certainly look into the point about Weldon which my hon. and learned Friend has mentioned.