HC Deb 19 July 1978 vol 954 c530
19. Mrs. Bain

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action is being taken to monitor dust emissions from King's Quarry. Croy.

Mr. Gregor MacKenzie

Her Majesty's industrial pollution inspectorate measures periodically the grit and dust emission from the two coating plants and inspects the premises regularly. The inspectorate is discussing with the firm the practicability of further action to reduce other emissions of dust—for example. from the crushers and the stockpiles of crushed rock. Cumbernauld district council has installed one gauge at the nearest houses to measure deposits of grit and dust

Mrs. Bain

Is the Minister aware that my constituents in Croy are grateful for the recent interest shown by the Scottish Office in this problem? However, does he agree that if it is shown that there is a high level of dust emission to the disadvantage of my constituents in an environmental and health sense he will join me in pressing for new regulations that will be more effective?

Mr. MacKenzie

We are carefully examining the work not only at this particular quarry but at others throughout the country In this particular case the firm has a reasonably good record in undertaking a useful job. I can asusre the hon. Lady that the situation will be constantly monitored, that discussions will take place and that suggestions will be made about how to improve it.