HC Deb 07 March 1979 vol 963 cc1230-2
4. Mr. Ron Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the present regulations in regard to the emission of dangerous substances into the atmosphere; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Mr. Denis Howell)

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that I gave to his question on 8 November 1978.

Mr. Thomas

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in my constituency there is considerable apprehension about the emission of dangerous substances into the atmosphere? May we have an assurance that departments of environmental health, such as that in Bristol, will be given sufficient resources to monitor and deal with this problem? May we have an assurance that the regulations governing chemical and other complexes are sufficiently comprehensive to regulate, control and monitor the emission of dangerous substances into the atmosphere?

Mr. Howell

I understand my hon. Friend's concern and that of his constituents. A great deal of activity has taken place following the unfortunate leaks. The Alkali Inspectorate investigated the matter. The firm agreed to install new equipment to prevent the leaks of hydrofluoric acid, and it has spent £⅓ million on the project. The Alkali Inspectorate served a notice following the last incident in November to the effect that the firm would have to close by December if there were no administrative changes in its control room.

I am glad to say that no further incidents have been reported. There is an improvement in techniques which seems to be evident. A new technique for measuring hydrofluoric acid has been developed by the company, and both the company and the local authority are using it. I hope that this activity will help to reassure my hon. Friend and his constituents that everything possible is being done to preserve their safety.

Mr. Sainsbury

In view of the concern about this subject, which was reflected in the length of the Minister's reply, would it not be a good idea if the Government took action on the recommendation in the fifth report of the Commission on environmental pollution, created a pollution inspectorate and brought the Alkali Inspectorate back where it belongs, in the Department of the Environment?

Mr. Howell

That is an interesting suggestion which would affect both sides of industry as well as the Government. The suggestion is being considered and pursued as rapidly as possible.

Mr. Roy Hughes

Is the Minister aware of the tests to ascertain the level of lead in the blood which are to be carried out in my constituency and elsewhere between Easter and Whitsuntide? When will the results of those tests be known? Will they be made public? Does he agree that public discussion on the results is necessary to decide what action might be necessary?

Mr. Howell

We always make the results of such tests public. We believe that it is vital that every possible piece of information is made known so that intelligent discussions can take place. I cannot give a date for the publication of the findings because most of the work is being done and co-ordinated for us by outside agencies, but obviously we want to publish the results as soon as we can.