HC Deb 05 May 1976 vol 910 cc1295-6
17. Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further steps he proposes to take to investigate the causes of earth tremors in Stoke-on-Trent.

Mr. Shore

Monitoring and analysis of these tremors have been conducted and funded locally since they began in 1975, and work will continue on this basis until October. Arrangements are now being discussed with the Institute of Geological Sciences for the further continuance of work in the Stoke area directed towards establishing causation in the context of broader analysis of earth movements in sensitive areas in and around the Midlands.

Mr. Ashley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in an Adjournment debate, following unsatisfactory answers, the Minister of State gave me a categorical assurance that the experts and equipment would remain in Stoke-on-Trent until the cause of these earth tremors had been found? The Secretary of State is now talking about October and discussions. I appreciate the way in which he has handled the matter so far, but if there is to be any dilution of the categorical assurance that the equipment and experts will remain in Stoke-on-Trent until the cause is found my right hon. Friend is due for a very interesting time.

Mr. Shore

I understand my hon. Friend's proper and legitimate concern. I am happy to repeat the assurance that the equipment will remain in the Stoke-on-Trent area until the cause of the tremors has been established. Further, we are working out proposals with the IGS for a broader coverage of the Midlands area, including Stoke, to see whether we can throw further light on the causes of these occurrences.

Mr. Hugh Fraser

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his clearer response to his hon. Friend, because his first response appeared to mean that the equipment was to be withdrawn. Will he ensure that something is published by the end of the year to reassure people living in that part of the West Midlands?

Mr. Shore

I shall certainly consider the right hon. Gentleman's proposal. I am most anxious, as I am sure that both he and the whole House are, to get to the bottom of this problem and to find out the causes. As soon as we can reach a point where we feel reasonably confident that we have the answer, I shall arrange for an appropriate statement or publication to be made.