HC Deb 20 December 1972 vol 848 cc1321-2
23. Mr. Duffy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the Tinsley Viaduct has now been treated for aspergillus fumigatus.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

A contract for the removal of this fungus is about to be let.

Mr. Heffer

It should have been sprayed on that lot on the Government benches.

Mr. Duffy

Bearing in mind that this matter was debated in the House six months ago, is not this an unwarrantable delay? May I ask the hon. Gentleman three questions? Are these fungus spores airborne? Do they present a health hazard not only to maintenance personnel but to others living in the vicinity? Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that there will not be a recurrence?

Mr. Griffiths

Without notice, I cannot say whether the fungus is airborne. I can tell the hon. Gentleman that the contract will bring about a procedure for scraping, brushing and vacuuming the facility in question. There is no health hazard in the vicinity.

Mr. Hardy

The Minister seemed to dismiss lightly the question whether this fungus was injurious. Does he realise that my constituency is very close to the Tinsley Viaduct? Can we have a categorical assurance that there is no health hazard to the South Yorkshire area surrounding the Tinsley Viaduct?

Mr. Griffiths

On that count, Yes, Sir.