HC Deb 29 January 1963 vol 670 cc748-9
25. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what consultations he has had with the London Transport Board regarding the effect on atmospheric pollution of their proposed conversion of the Lots Road Power Station from coal to oil burning; and at what height the chimney gases will be discharged into the atmosphere.

Mr. Corfield

The Alkali Inspectorate have been in consultation with the London Transport Executive. The change will eliminate grit emissions and should reduce smoke. All chimney gases will be discharged through existing 275 ft. chimneys; the four 162 ft. chimneys will become redundant.

Dr. Stross

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary agree with me that although there will be less smoke and no grit following this change there will be very much more sulphur dioxide? Is not this most undesirable? Would it not be far better if this installation were not used at all and the main source of electricity supply came from the Electricity Board? If it is argued that in that case there is no guarantee against failure of the ventilation of the Underground, does he not agree that this could easily and cheaply be achieved by installing secondhand jet aero engines using kerosene which have no sulphur in them at all?

Mr. Corfield

In reply to the first part of the supplementary question, I am assured that the ground level concentration of sulphur dioxide in the power station will be reduced, and, it is hoped, reduced substantially. With regard to the future and alternative methods of working on the Underground, I think that this is a little beyond my competence, but I will certainly go into that with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

Dr. Stross

I am very grateful that this is now to be considered. Many of us in the House, and certainly many medical men in the country as a whole, look upon sulphur dioxide as being more dangerous than many other forms of pollution.

Mr. Speaker

I am sure that this is most invaluable, but it is not a question. That is the trouble. We must confine ourselves to questions now.