32. Mrs. Slaterasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what measures have been taken by the Inspectorate to control and prevent the smoke and sulphur nuisance from the Goldendale Foundry, Tunstall.
§ Mr. CorfieldNew arrestment plant complying with the Alkali Inspectorate's requirements is due to start operating this month to deal with the blast furnace emissions, including smoke. At the Inspectorate's instance the company continues to seek more effective means of controlling emissions from the hot blast cupolas. There are virtually no sulphur oxides in the blast furnace gases and little in the hot blast cupola gases.
Mrs. SlaterIs the Minister aware that this has been going on for several years and that each time the matter is raised the firm promises that in another month it will do something? What assurance have we that this great nuisance to these people will be eliminated completely?
§ Mr. CorfieldI understand that the company has been energetic in pursuing a remedy. Difficulties have arisen since the installation of the blast furnace arrestment plant owing to the difficulties in installing ancillary equipment, some of which was damaged. As I have said, however, this is to begin operating this month. With regard to the hot blast cupolas, I understand that major difficulties have been encountered and that 1304 a new firm of plant manufacturers has been commissioned to help to find a remedy.