HC Deb 04 July 1950 vol 477 cc219-20
7. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has now reached any conclusions in regard to further legislation upon the subject of the harmful discharge of fluorine fumes from factories in Scotland.

Mr. McNeil

I have nothing meantime to add to the reply I gave to the noble Lord on 27th June.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is an anomaly that Scotland is not treated on the same basis as England and afforded the same protection as England?

Mr. McNeil

The noble Lord must appreciate that there are many respects in which legislation differs as between Scotland and England, and not always, I would suggest, to the detriment of Scotland.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider persuading his colleagues to introduce quickly legislation dealing with this very serious menace, because that is what it certainly is, as I am sure he will appreciate?

Mr. McNeil

I am considering whether further legislation is needed upon that subject.

Major McCallum

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that fluorine fumes are almost the same in England as they are in Scotland.

Mr. McNeil

They do not seem to have quite so many effects upon hon. Gentlemen opposite.