§ 47. Dr. Barnett Strossasked the Lord President of the Council what are the figures for the carbon content of the atmosphere in Stoke-on-Trent as compared with Nottingham; and what are the figures for skyshine in the two cities.
§ The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)No comparative figures are available as, although the city of Stoke-on-Trent sends measurements of smoke and deposited matter, including carbonaceous matter, to D.S.I.R., no equivalent measurements are reported from Nottingham. I understand, however, that the Nottingham Corporation is shortly to commence observations. No measurements of daylight have been reported from either Stoke or Nottingham.
§ Dr. StrossIs my right hon. Friend aware that the number of days on which what we term haze is noted is 40 times as high in a city like Stoke-on-Trent as compared with some other cities of similar size? Has he considered whether the powers that local authorities now have invested in them are sufficient to solve this type of problem, where the atmosphere is grossly polluted?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am very sorry to hear of this state of affairs in Stoke. I hope they will improve. There is a possible improvement in the law under consideration, but if my hon. Friend wishes to pursue that matter I think that a Question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.
Mr. PickthomMay I ask whether the superior clarity and brightness over Nottingham are not attributable to the illumination of a political kind which has recently dawned and is visibly increasing all round the eastern environs of the city