§ 35 and 36. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) if, in view of the public feeling over a large area in Kent consequent upon the heavy covering of cement and other forms of dust, he will arrange for, or co-operate in, a public inquiry in an effort not only to find a solution to the problem but also to show to the public concerned that everything possible is being done to deal with a situation that has caused much damage and distress:
(2) if, in view of the heavy deposits of cement dust over a wide area of North-West Kent, he will make use of his powers under Sections 23, 76 and 100 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, to deal with a situation that is causing distress and cost to many people.
§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Harold Macmillan)I am aware that the nuisance from cement dust in this area has been aggravated in recent months by the failure of five of the dust precipitators at the works. Two have now been repaired; a third will be ready in April and a fourth in June. My inspectors have the matter in hand and energetic steps are being taken to reduce emissions to the practicable minimum. The Alkali &c. Works Registration Act, 1906, provides effective statutory powers. 28 and I do not think that action under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, or a public inquiry, would assist.
§ Mr. DoddsIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this cement dust nuisance, extending over miles, has been worse in March than it has ever been before? Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied, in these days of wonderful inventions, when tens of thousands of people in the Garden of England have to be under this cloud of cement dust? Will he not do something more about it than he has just stated?
§ Mr. MacmillanEverything is being done to put the machinery in order. When it is in order, I believe that this matter will be satisfactorily settled.