HC Deb 20 June 1973 vol 858 cc668-70
17. Mr. Duffy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will supplement the work of the Alkali Inspectorate in Attercliffe and Tinsley, Sheffield.

The Minister for Local Government and Development (Mr. Graham Page)

Since 1971 the Sheffield-based district of the Alkali and Clean Air Inspectorate has been reduced in size, enabling the inspectors to concentrate more closely on the City area. The Inspectorate is already assisted in Attercliffe and Tinsley by the city council, which controls a number of registered works, and regular visits will shortly be undertaken by one of the new industrial grit and dust testing teams being set up by my right hon. and learned Friend.

Mr. Duffy

When the Minister next drives up the M1 will he look to his left and right as he crosses the Tinsley Viaduct and observe the greatest concentration of industrial pollution in this country? Is he aware that according to those who have suffered this—now including industrial workers as well as housewives—this pollution is increasing in its intensity and its offensive nature? Will he reconsider the present state of the Inspectorate, with a view to increasing not merely the numbers of inspectors but also their powers?

Mr. Page

I am conscious, as a result of driving up the M1, of the problem that the hon. Gentleman raises. This is being dealt with urgently. I have received the hon. Gentleman's letter concerning the breakdown and the difficulties that have recently arisen, causing trouble to neighbouring factories. I hope that we can deal urgently with this, because it is a serious matter.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Does my right hon. Friend not agree that there is an urgent need to increase the strength of this Inspectorate, since the inspectors are grossly overworked? Will he also consider, in the near future, the amalgamation of this Inspectorate with the Factory Inspectorate?

Mr. Page

There has been an increase in the Inspectorate by the reduction in the size of the district that it has to cover. The city of Sheffield has taken over certain duties, which should help. There is also the new dust and grit testing team, which will be of great assistance. If my hon. Friend will put down a Question about the amalgamation I shall deal with it.

Mr. Mulley

We are grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his expressions of concern and his promise of urgent action, but does he realise that conditions in my hon. Friend's constituency are much worse than they have been for many years? At a time when we are seeking to improve environmental conditions, this is an urgent matter. Is he aware that it would be appreciated if he or one of his colleagues from the Department would come to Sheffield to see this for themselves?

Mr. Page

I can give an assurance that either my Under-Secretary or I will come to look at this, because we think it is a serious matter.