HC Deb 03 May 1962 vol 658 cc1189-90
22. Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that the nuisance caused by the pollution of the atmosphere by dust from cement works is brought to an end.

Mr. Rippon

All new kilns are provided with the most modern and efficient equipment for dust arrestment. The number of older kilns not so provided is steadily falling. Complete freedom from nuisance is unfortunately not yet practicable in areas of very concentrated production.

Mr. Irving

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the mounting anger and frustration among people in northwest Kent because of the seriously worsening conditions in that area this winter? Does he know that there have been four large fall-outs? Not only have they been more frequent but they have been accompanied by a pungent and odious smell. Since it has been recently announced that the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers have increased their earnings by £2 million this year, is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that enough money is being spent on research and development in getting rid of this menace?

Mr. Rippon

I think that enough money is being spent on research and development. The hon. Gentleman might look at the 1960 annual report on alkali works, which gives a good deal of information. I agree that in at least two of those works—the two nearest Dartford, the Kent and Johnson works—there have been particular difficulties recently. These were due to the use of clay with a high alkali content. The company concerned is now applying for planning permission to get clay of a better quality. I hope that that will result in an improvement.

Mrs. Slater

This problem is not peculiar to Kent. We have it in my constituency. There is great reluctance on the part of manufacturers to install machinery which would lessen this great nuisance to many householders who live very near to the factory. Will the hon. Gentleman ask his Alkali Inspectorate to be very much more firm than it is being at present?

Mr. Rippon

The difficulty is that we have been pioneers in this sphere. Some of our electrostatic precipitation machinery is not as up to date and modern as one would wish, but this problem is being progressively dealt with. Certainly our Chief Alkali Inspector and his officials are looking into it very closely.