HC Deb 09 May 1963 vol 677 cc645-6
13. Mr. B. Taylor

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will investigate the pollution of the atmosphere by the Midland Rexco Works, situated at Mansfield Colliery, in Nottinghamshire; and if he will take the necessary action towards removing offensive odours, as these are causing distress and inconvenience to the residents in the area.

Mr. Corfield

Unfortunately, some smell from coal carbonisation is unavoidable. But the Alkali Inspectorate is in correspondence with the company about the application at these works of methods which experiments elsewhere suggest will bring about a substantial improvement.

Mr. Taylor

Is the Minister aware that I raised this matter with his predecessor as far back as 1959, when I was told that technical experiments were to take place at one of the company's adjoining undertakings? Is he further aware that I am told that these experiments have met with some success at Edwinstone? If this is so, will he use his influence to ensure that they are applied with all possible speed at the colliery?

Mr. Corfield

The hon. Gentleman is quite right. The experiments at Edwin-stone have met with a considerable measure of success and the district alkali inspector wrote formally on 19th April asking the company to implement its undertaking to adopt similar measures. The company has promised to let us have detailed proposals at, an early date.

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