§ 7. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what reports he has received from his inspectors about the conditions experienced in December over a wide area of North-West Kent, as the result of heavy deposits of dust from cement works; and, in view of previous representations made, and undertakings given, what action he now proposes to take to ensure that the local residents are made reasonably free of this nuisance.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanI am advised that there is at present no known method of completely eliminating dust from cement works. The dust arresting plant in use at the Thames-side works, when in full operation, attains a high degree of efficiency, but a small proportion of the dust escapes, and the total escaping from a large number of kilns is enough to give rise to complaints in dry weather. These 815 problems still await solution, but they are receiving constant attention by my inspectors and the cement manufacturers.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes not the right hon. Gentleman recall that in the early months of 1953 he said he believed that when the machinery was in order the matter would be satisfactorily settled, but, since there is now some doubt about dust coming from many other factories, will he not agree to hold a public inquiry for which almost everyone in North-West Kent is asking?
§ Mr. MacmillanWe are informed that when the machinery is working satisfactorily about 95 per cent. of the dust is properly dealt with, but there is trouble because this machinery is sometimes out of action for purposes of repairs. I really think that the best thing is to press on with the best designers and experts who are working on it to see whether a full solution can be reached. I do not think—although I will consider it—that a public inquiry will do the work which can only be done by expert technicians.