§ 15. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether, in view of the nuisance created by the grit and dirt deposited in a large number of homes in Leicester from the fumes of the Central Electricity Generating Station situated in Leicester, particulars of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Leicester, North-West, and of the nullifying effect of this upon the orders in Leicester for smoke abatement, he will give instructions that these orders be suspended until the nuisance has been effectively stopped.
§ Mr. RipponMy right hon. Friend accepts the need to reduce grit and dust emissions from the power station and the Alkali Inspectorate is doing its best to secure progressive improvement. The smoke control orders are already benefiting the city by reducing smoke, and suspension of their operation would be wrong.
§ Sir B. JannerDoes the hon. Gentleman not realise that it is ridiculous to expect people to comply with orders for smoke abatement if the Ministry itself is not removing one of the main reasons why dust, dirt and grit get into houses, hospitals and various buildings? What is he going to do about it? Will he not 617 see that this is removed first, not allow the council to make silly orders which cannot be obeyed if afterwards there is this wretched grit and smoke from this building?
§ Mr. RipponWhat I think would be absurd would be to do nothing at all about anything because there is this one rather difficult problem which has to be carefully studied.
§ Sir B. JannerIn view of the unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter at an early opportunity on the Adjournment.