HC Deb 18 June 1963 vol 679 cc200-1
12. Sir B. Janner

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will make a statement on the steps which the Alkali Inspectorate have taken and propose to take to abate the nuisance caused to residents in Leicester owing to the emissions from the local power station.

Mr. Corfield

Tests show that the Inspectorate has secured a major reduction in grit and dust emissions. Trouble has arisen from the erratic performance of the precipitators. Further improvements to these are being made this summer and additional precipitators should be in operation in 1964.

Sir B. Janner

Is the Minister aware that this has been going on for 10 or 12 years, that bags of soot and of grit are being sent to me and that the whole aspect of the clean air idea is being thoroughly misunderstood by the people in the district, because they cannot for the life of them understand why they should have to keep their fires clear of the kind of coal which emits dirt, whereas these centres are literally spoiling part of their lives that should be enjoyed in cleanliness? Will the Minister please do something to clear up this matter as quickly as possible?

Mr. Corfield

Since the works came under the jurisdiction of the Inspectorate in 1958, grit and dust emissions have, I am informed, been reduced to one-third of the original amount. That is a substantial achievement. As to the future, I have told the hon. Member before that improvements to be carried out this summer will cost in the neighbourhood of £90,000 and that the long-term improvements which will be ready during 1964, to which I have also referred, will cost a further £190,000. The last time that the hon. Member asked a Question, on 2nd April, he said that he would raise the matter on the Adjournment. I hope that he will do so, because I should be delighted to elaborate on the strenuous efforts that are being made.

Sir B. Janner

On a point of order. I am greatly obliged to the Minister for inviting me to raise this matter on the Adjournment. I shall certainly try to do so at the earliest possible opportunity.

Mr. Speaker

Will the hon. Member be good enough to indicate what point of order he was raising?

Sir B. Janner

I was saying, Mr. Speaker, that I propose to raise this matter at the earliest opportunity on the Adjournment.

Mr. Speaker

I note what the hon. Member says.

Forward to