§ 54. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will have an investigation made into the amount, and effects, of air pollution over Stoke-on-Trent, Manchester and Stockport, with a view to the preparation of a report, such as that on air pollution in Donora, P.A., United States of America Public Health Bulletin 306, Federal Security Agency.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Ernest Marples)Systematic measurements of atmospheric pollution are already being made in these and other towns, and investigations into certain factors are in progress. The results of the Donora report have been studied and are being borne in mind.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithIf the local authorities make suggestions dealing with this problem will the Minister sympathetically consider them?
§ Mr. MarplesI should rather like notice of that question.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the miserable sum of only £3,000 has been spent by Government research institutions on the problem of atmospheric pollution, and would he see what more could be done to help research into this problem?
§ Mr. MarplesMy right hon. Friend is making a systematic investigation in the three towns mentioned in the original Question, and I do not think he can do more than that until the report is received.
§ Mr. GibsonIn view of the serious loss of life in London during the recent fogs, will the Minister speed up to the utmost the inquiries he is making?
§ Mr. MarplesIf a more intensive inquiry is necessary after this report has been received my right hon. Friend will set in motion that intensive inquiry.