HC Deb 27 November 1961 vol 650 cc9-10
29. Mr. P. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Power if he will give a general direction to the Central Electricity Generating Board that they should secure the elimination of obnoxious fumes from power stations.

Mr. George

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend sees no need of such a direction. Control over the emission of fumes from power stations is primarily a matter for the Alkali Inspectorate under my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the hon Gentleman make representation to his right hon. Friends that in many parts of the country power stations are causing great public nuisance? Is he aware that there has been a serious nuisance in my constituency at Derby and that Battersea Power Station has been making Battersea Park almost unusable?

Mr. George

Neither of my right hon. Friends has received any complaint about nuisance from Battersea Power Station recently. The Electricity Board has redesigned and modified the gas washing plant at the station, and the periods when it is out of operation should in future be less frequent and shorter. The first part of the right hon Gentleman's supplementary question is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing. I understand that inspectors make regular inspections to ensure that the best practical means of controlling emissions are used and that they receive ready co-operation from the Central Electricity Generating Board.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the hon. Gentleman pay a visit to Battersea Park when the wind is in the east?

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