HC Deb 30 June 1959 vol 608 cc216-7
2. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he has considered the 95th Annual Report on Alkali, etc., Works by the Chief Inspectors; what general action is to be taken; and, in particular, what action is to be taken in respect of pages 36, 37 and 38 of the Report, with special reference to the 80 kilns and the hard core referred to on page 37.

Mr. H. Brooke

I have, of course, studied this excellent document. With my approval and support, my Chief Alkali Inspector is proceeding in England and Wales on the lines indicated in the Report, including that part of it relating to ceramic works.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that my hon. Friends and I very much appreciate the great improvements which have been brought about in the City of Stoke-on-Trent, but that we still suffer from the serious effects of the inaction of the minority? Will he undertake to use his maximum influence to bring about a higher standard among those people?

Mr. Brooke

Yes, Sir. As I said, I want to help in every way I can. When I received my Chief Inspector's Report, I asked him to come to see me, and I discussed it with him. I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman for what he said about the progress being made.

Mrs. Slater

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it would help in authorities like mine, Stoke-on-Trent, if he would give the address of the alkali inspector resident in the area, so that when we got a case we could immediately contact him instead of going the long way round and seeing the Minister, as in the case which I have recently sent to the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. Brooke

I am not sure that it would be wise to short-circuit local authorities who are partners with my Alkali Inspectorate in this matter, but I will certainly take note of what the hon. Lady has said.