HC Deb 06 May 1954 vol 527 cc569-70
42 Mr. A. Evans

asked the Minister of Health if he has considered the health and atmospheric pollution aspects of the proposal to replace trolley omnibuses in London by omnibuses burning diesel oil; and if he will make a statement.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Atmospheric pollution in all its aspects is under consideration by the Air Pollution Committee set up by my right hon. Friends the Ministers of Housing and Local Government and of Fuel and Power and the Secretary of State for Scotland, on which my right hon. Friend is represented. Any statement must await the committee's report.

Mr. Evans

Will the hon. Lady consult her right hon. Friend to make sure that the findings of this committee are not unduly delayed, and that a report is forthcoming before the change-over to new transport is made?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I understand that this replacement is not scheduled to take place until 1957. This is a very complicated and difficult subject and, obviously, an inquiry must take some time.