HC Deb 06 July 1964 vol 698 cc22-4
30. Mr. Box

asked the Minister of Health whether the chimney of the University Hospital of Wales is of the height and shape originally designed; whether it was included in the scale model as exhibited; and whether he will take steps to reduce annoyance to nearby residents by replacing it with a more attractive design.

Mr. Braine

Yes, Sir; as is normal, the detailed design work was undertaken after the model was prepared; the design is intended to minimise any risk of nuisance from grit or fumes.

Mr. Box

Is my hon. Friend aware that, while we welcome the construction of this hospital in Cardiff, it is understood that this chimney has been increased in height by some 25 ft.? It is something of an eyesore and a monstrosity, causing a great deal of annoyance to residents over a considerable area. Will my hon. Friend not see whether something cannot be done by redesigning or repainting, or doing something, to reduce the great pain which is caused to a number of people over a wide area in my constituency?

Mr. Braine

The appearance of the chimney, or for that matter any chimney, is bound to be a matter on which there will be differing views. I can assure my hon. Friend that the greatest care has been taken in designing the chimney to minimise the possibility of grit or fumes being a nuisance or harmful to health. I should have thought that a nuisance of that kind would have given infinitely more pain to my hon. Friend's constituents.

Mr. G. Thomas

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that as a constituent of the hon. Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. Box), albeit unwillingly, I can assure him that the hon. Gentleman has interpreted the feelings of people in Cardiff about this horrible, ugly, annoying chimney, which is, I believe, quite unnecessary in view of modern design? Will the hon. Gentleman ask the hospital authority to look again at this chimney, which is getting on the nerves of us all? Is he aware that wherever we go in Cardiff we see this chimney?

Mr. Braine

All I can say is that the height and the position of this chimney on the site were determined only after tests of the model of the hospital had been carried out at the National Physical Laboratory at Teddington. [Interruption.] The scientific tests, to which I imagine the hon. Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. G. Thomas) would attach some importance, were carried out at the National Physical Laboratory at Teddington. I will certainly consider whether it is possible to have a look at this point again, but I do not want to leave the House with the impression that the most careful thought has not already been given to this chimney in order to ensure that it does not pollute the atmosphere.