HC Deb 11 February 1958 vol 582 cc190-2
11. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many complaints have been submitted to the Alkali Inspectorate from all local authorities that certain industrial processes produce an offending odour reminiscent of tom-cats in large numbers; in how many instances has a complete remedy been applied; and if he will state the length of time on average between complaint and cessation of the odour.

Mr. Bevins

I am not an expert on the habits of the animals referred to in the Question, but I understand that the alkali inspectors have received reports of smells of this kind on a number of occasions. In only one case were the smells due to a process registered under the Alkali Act. In that case, strict precautions have been enforced, but there have, nevertheless, been occasional minor escapes of an accidental nature which have led to further complaints.

Dr. Stross

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this particular and undetectable odour was discussed at great length some time ago during the Committee stage of the Clean Air Bill? Is he further aware that at that time there were serious complaints about there being very few alkali inspectors, and that promises were made that the number would be increased to twenty? Will he tell the House how far the Department has been successful in increasing the number and whether we can have some hope that the inspectors will tackle these offensive problems as quickly as possible?

Mr. Bevins

I think I am right in saying that that particular case, where the odour was due to a process which is registrable under the Alkali Act, took place in the Birmingham area and not in the Potteries. I think there is a later Question which refers to the Potteries.

Mr. Shinwell

Whitewashing the tomcats.

13. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when the Alkali Inspectorate first received a complaint from the local authority of Stoke-on-Trent that the north-western part of the city was affected by a tom-cat odour; and what action has been taken to free the City from this unpleasant visitation.

31 and 32. Mrs. Slater

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (1) how long it is estimated it will take to free the northern area of Stoke-on-Trent from the offensive smell which now exists;

(2) if he is aware of the offensive smell which exists in the northern district of Stoke-on-Trent; and what steps are being taken by the Alkali Inspectorate to remedy this.

Mr. Bevins

Complaints about this smell were first received in April, 1956. Investigation showed that it was caused by the dumping of acid sludge from a benzole refinery. This process is not registrable under the Alkali Act, so that statutory responsibility for the abatement of nuisance rests with the local authority and not with the Alkali Inspectorate. I understand, however, that, after informal consultation with the alkali inspector, plant for the treatment of the sludge is being installed and should soon be in operation.

Dr. Stross

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his reply. Is it not the fact, however, that, on investigation, the local authority of Stoke-on-Trent found that the process was not within its own jurisdiction, because this particular plant was situated in another local authority's territory?

Mr. Bevins

I am sorry that I cannot answer that particular point, but I do assure the hon. Member that we shall maintain close contact with the firm and with the local authority to see that things go along all right.

Mrs. Slater

Will the Parliamentary Secretary give us some more detailed information as to how long he thinks that it will take before the smell can be eradicated, because it is recurring time and time again?

Mr. Bevins

As I say, the new plant should be in operation in a month or so, and we shall keep in close touch on this point.

Mr. Nabarro

Can my hon. Friend confirm that the transfer of these industries to the Alkali Inspectorate will shortly be the subject of an Order which he will lay before this House? Is he aware that many of my hon. Friends and myself are gravely concerned about this transfer and, having defeated the Government on this very point in Committee, we shall propose to pray against the Order at the appropriate moment?

Mr. Bevins

The first part of my hon. Friend's Question is perfectly true, and the matter, of course, will be debated.