HC Deb 20 October 1953 vol 518 cc1791-3
9. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to give details of the emergency plans that will be put into operation to combat fogs similar to that experienced last December when many people died as the result of pollution of the air.

24. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what immediate action he is taking, in view of the heavy loss of life resulting from fog and air pollution in the London area last December, to reduce the risk of a similar disaster this winter.

Mr. H. Macmillan

So far as I know the only practicable way of combating "smog" is to reduce smoke from chimneys. The problem is not one for which it is easy to devise emergency plans. I am of course awaiting the Report of the Beaver Committee. Meanwhile a special effort is needed by all those who burn coal to use it efficiently, and as sparingly as possible during fogs. This applies to householders no less than to industrial and other consumers.

Mr. Dodds

In view of the heavy death roll and as much is known already about air pollution, is not it remarkable that the Government have no plan ready should similiar conditions apply again this winter? Would not it be possible to give a warning if weather conditions were likely to be similar to those of last December and to request that domestic open fires and certain industrial processes should be dispensed with during the danger period?

Mr. Macmillan

I welcome that and any other suggestion that the hon. Gentleman might be willing to make to me. Perhaps the major point arises better on the next Question.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is the Minister aware that his activity or inactivity in the matter is regarded with considerable misgiving when the lives of thousands of Londoners may be in serious jeopardy in the next few weeks?

Mr. Macmillan

I think that matter arises better on the next Question.

Mr. Bowles

May I ask the Minister whether he will start with the Carlton Club's chimney?

10. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government on what date the Air Pollution Committee held its first meeting; how many meetings have since been held; and when it is expected that an interim or final report will be available for public information.

27. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress has been made by the Committee he established last July to inquire into causes of smoke pollution of the atmosphere; what evidence is to be taken from nationalised undertakings, including particularly the British Transport Commission, the National Coal Board and the British Electricity Authority as major contributors to atmospheric smoke pollution; when the report of the Committee will be available; and what form its publication will take.

Mr. H. Macmillan

The Committee was appointed on 21st July last and held its first meeting on 29th July. As one would expect from a Committee presided over by Sir Hugh Beaver, it has lost no time and, I understand, intends to present an interim report shortly. It is for the Committee and not me to decide what evidence it will take.

Mr. Dodds

Will the Minister give some idea what he means by the word "shortly"? As the deaths took place in December, the Committee was not Bet up until July and there has been only one meeting since, is not it understood by the Minister why some people at least think that the matter has not been treated seriously enough?

Mr. Macmillan

By "shortly," I mean within a few weeks. Hon. and right hon. Gentlemen who are experienced in the appointment of committees know that it takes some time to get exactly the people one needs. It is much more important to wait and get the right people on the Committee than to get the wrong people appointed in the first place.

13. Mr. Braine

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps have now been taken to abate the pollution of the air by waste gases from Thameside oil refineries following representations made to his Department by the Canvey Urban District Council and other authorities.

Mr. H. Macmillan

At the present stage of development it is difficult to eliminate altogether smell from these refineries, but my inspectors are collaborating with the companies to ensure that the most effective means of control are employed.

Mr. Braine

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in South-East Essex we have the healthiest air in the country—it is one of the principal assets of the Thames-side holiday resorts—and that if this foul pollution is allowed to continue it will affect seriously not only the amenities of the area but the livelihood of thousands of people? Has my right hon. Friend any power to enforce action?

Mr. Macmillan

We have power under the Act. My inspectors are continually in touch with the companies. If my hon. Friend will consult with me I will see if there is any suggestion he can make which we can use.