§ 1. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Secretary of State for Air on how many days between 1st January and 30th June, 1956, the wind blew from a north and easterly direction as compared with a south and westerly direction; and what is now officially accepted as the prevailing wind over the British Isles.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Christopher Soames)I am circulating with the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars of wind direction for different parts of the country. Taking the country as a whole, north-easterly winds were unusually frequent during this period, but south-westerly winds were still predominant, and this must continue to be regarded as the prevailing direction.
§ Mr. Gresham CookeIf we are to get a great deal of east wind in the future, will my hon. Friend inform the Minister of Fuel and Power that we shall want some more coal? Will he also ask his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air whether, from his recent experience he can state that the eastern breezes are likely to be a little more friendly and benevolent in future?
§ Mr. SoamesThe easterly winds are what they are, and the westerly winds continue to be warmer and generally more agreeable.
§ Mr. HolmesWill the hon. Gentleman inform his hon. Friend that the mining community is inviting new recruits for the mining industry?
§ Following are the particulars of wind direction:
§ Number of days, during the period January to June, 1956, on which the wind blew from north or east, or from south or west, in different areas of the British Isles:
| — | North or easterly winds | South or westerly winds |
| N.E. England | 81 | 76 |
| S.E. England | 60 | 85 |
| S.W. England | 71 | 94 |
| N.E. Scotland | 51 | 121 |
| Clyde Area | 62 | 95 |
| Northern Ireland | 63 | 105 |
§ The figures do not necessarily indicate complete days, but include fractions of different days.
§ For the remainder of the period the wind was light and variable.