HC Deb 27 November 1967 vol 755 cc10-1
12. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what progress has been made by his Department to encourage the production and marketing of lightweight aggregates made of waste coalmining shale.

Mr. Mellish

The Building Research Station continues to undertake research into the use of lightweight aggregates generally. Their production and marketing are subject to normal commercial considerations; there are particular technical difficulties arising from the combustible content of coalmining shale.

Mrs. Short

Would my hon. Friend nevertheless agree that this waste colliery material can make a very valuable contribution to the building materials industry? It has been done in Holland very successfully. Will he undertake to have discussions with the National Coal Board about it to see what can be done?

Mr. Mellish

Certainly I will discuss the matter with the National Coal Board if it is thought to be useful by my hon. Friend or others interested in this subject. There was an attempt to produce lightweight aggregate commercially from colliery shale, but this failed because the combustible content of the shale caused air pollution and smoke nuisance which was difficult to control.

Sir G. Nabarro

Would the Minister bear in mind, following Aberfan and the Report of the Tribunal, that there is to be legislation later concerning spoil heaps? As the removal of spoil heaps poses an immense problem of how to utilise millions of tons of shale, would he not resume researches at an early date with the specific object in view of using material from spoil heaps?

Mr. Mellish

Yes. I will accept advice from the hon. Gentleman. I will see that my Department and its experts look into this with the National Coal Board to see what can be done.

Mr. Costain

Does the Minister appreciate that there has been difficulty in the building industry over the use of this shale? Will he give warnings to local authorities about the danger of using it for filling in floors?

Mr. Mellish

I will take notice of that. I had no notice that this was coming forward. A research fellowship has been appointed at the Building Research Station to go into the manufacture of concrete blocks using this lightweight aggregate.