§ 26. Mr. Conlanasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he proposes to take to diminish the pollution of the air from the factory of Wailes Dove (Bitumastic) Limited, Pelaw-on-Tyne.
§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Anthony Greenwood)Air pollution from the present operations, which are on a very limited scale, is being controlled by the best practicable means. The Alkali Inspectorate will continue to keep the factory under close observation and to give advice where necessary.
§ Mr. ConlanWill my right hon. Friend acknowledge publicly that this is a story that we have been hearing for two years, and that, in spite of the excellent work carried out by the alkali inspector and the inspectors of the local authority, the nuisance persists? Will he further recognise that the only solution is to revoke the planning approval given in 1966 and for the factory to be removed to a place away from residential property?
§ Mr. GreenwoodI know that this has gone on for a long time, and in 1968 alone the Alkali Inspectorate has visited the works 16 times; but the problems involved are extremely complicated. I hope that we shall be able to find the solution before it is necessary to resort to the drastic solution which my hon. Friend suggests.