HC Deb 19 July 1962 vol 663 cc604-5
4. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will arrange for an intensive drive towards the full implementation of the Clean Air Act to be made before next winter within the industrial areas which suffer most from air pollution; and if he will require special attention to be given to Stoke-on-Trent, Salford, Trafford Park, Manchester, Bolton and Warrington.

Mr. Corfield

My right hon. Friend will continue to urge all black area authorities in England and Wales, including those named by the hon. Member, to make vigorous use of their powers under the Act.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Is the hon. Member aware that we were hoping that, with the coming of new Ministers, there would be more initiative in his Department? Is he further aware that we have not had much encouragement for that view from the replies to the last two Questions? Has not the time arrived when industrial areas of this kind should be subjected to the drive by the Ministry which is essential if we are to keep up with the rest of Europe in this respect?

Mr. Corfield

While I appreciate the hon. Member's views, I do not think that there is evidence that local authorities as a whole are backward in enforcing the general provisions of the Act. We should like to see faster progress in the establishment of smoke control, but it would not be justified to pick out the particular areas the hon. Member has mentioned, since there are many other areas in similar conditions.

Mrs. Slater

Is it not the case that many of the local authorities in these areas do an awful lot to try to clean up the atmosphere but that there is great reluctance by some industries to install new machinery which would make it possible completely to eliminate the smoke nuisance? I am not referring to the pottery industry, which has done a lot, but mostly to such concerns as iron foundries. In my constituency we have a dreadful case. Excuse after excuse is made and it is time that the Minister gave instructions.

Mr. Corfield

If the hon. Lady would like to write to me, I will look into any particular case, but it may well be that she is speaking of industries controlled under the Alkali Act. That is a different question.