§ 1. Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the work of the Alkali Inspectorate; and what steps he is taking to improve it.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Keith Speed)The answer to the first part is Yes, Sir, and to the second that my right hon. Friend will take whatever steps are required as, when and if they are needed.
§ Mr. MeacherDoes the Minister agree that with only a dozen prosecutions in the last 50 years, with fines averaging only £60, the bite of the Alkali Inspectorate is derisory and is derided by industry? Therefore, will the Minister repeal the ten-year grace law, publicise the standards required of local manufacturers, and substantially increase the numbers of the Inspectorate? If that fails, will he ensure that industrial pollution is put under the control of local authorities?
§ Mr. SpeedI do not accept most of the propositions made by the hon. Member. The ten-year grace law exists only in the imagination of the article in the Observer. The Inspectorate has been increased by 40 per cent. My right hon. Friend is having discussions with industry with a view to giving the matter greater publicity.
§ Mr. MoreRecollecting the great assistance recently given by my hon. Friend's ministerial colleague in the matter of Rock Metal Works, Jackfield, in my constituency, and recognising the great frustrations we both experienced, is not the time ripe for a complete recasting of the legislation about alkalis, at present based on an Act of Parliament which is 66 years old?
§ Mr. SpeedWe have to bear in mind the substantial achievements which have been produced by the Alkali Inspectorate. Obviously we are looking at these matters the whole time. Looking at what has been achieved, which is outlined in the annual reports which I hope hon. Members will read fully as and when they come out, it will be seen as a success story.