HC Deb 23 June 1953 vol 516 c1674
35. Mr. Bartley

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will ensure that the committee of inquiry into the problem of air pollution will include investigations into the effects of the discharge of sulphuretted hydrogen into the atmosphere in areas where there are colliery refuse tips and refuse from chemical works.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

The committee's terms of reference will be wide enough to cover this, but I would prefer them to decide, from the evidence they receive, which particular aspects most need investigating.

Mr. Bartley

Is the Minister aware that the case of this discharge of sulphuretted hydrogen, to which I have drawn attention recently in this House, is one which has been the subject of a public analyst's report recently, in which a statement was made that this kind of atmospheric pollution might be a danger to public health? Will the right hon. Gentleman expedite an inquiry in order that local authorities may have information about the most up-to-date methods of preventing this pollution?