HC Deb 30 June 1959 vol 608 cc217-8
3. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what recent action has been taken about the emission of fluorine compounds into the air in the City of Stoke-on-Trent; what are the future prospects; and what consultations he has had with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food about its experience at the Fenton Farm.

Mr. H. Brooke

Investigation is continuing and is being extended to include an analysis of the fluorine content of various raw materials used in pottery manufacture, in order to assess their individual contributions to the problem. My right hon. Friend keeps me informed of the progress of the experiments at Fenton Manor Farm.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, while we greatly appreciate what has been done, it is now twenty years since I first raised this matter and that in the meantime people and cattle in the area have continued to suffer? Has not the time arrived when a sense of urgency should be introduced?

Mr. Brooke

At present, there is no evidence of any hazard to public health. There is evidence of harm to cattle and that is what we are investigating. The Alkali Inspectorate and the Chief Inspector of Factories are co-operating in an investigation of these emissions. They are important, but to my mind they are not the most serious element of pollution in the area of Stoke-on-Trent.