§ 21. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Goverment if he is aware of the concern in North-West Kent at the continued heavy deposits of dust 746 from cement factories over a wide area; and what action is now being taken by his Department to deal with the nuisance.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. W. F. Deedes)My right hon. Friend knows that the dust from cement works in this area has been causing concern. No means of complete prevention are known at present, but his alkali inspectors, in co-operation with the cement manufacturers, are continuing their efforts to reduce the emissions as much as practicable. As the hon. Member will be aware, I am proposing to visit two of the works concerned early next week.
§ Mr. DoddsWhile thanking the Parliamentary Secretary for his answer and supporting the visit which he is to make, may I ask him to explain how it is that after years of agitation because of this terrible nuisance it happens that he has chosen to make his visit to the area almost on the eve of the General Election? What does he hope to achieve from this visit to improve the situation.