HL Deb 21 July 1959 vol 218 cc292-3

2.50 p.m.

THE EARL OF IDDESLEIGH

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any steps can be taken to prevent the emission of clouds of dust during the demolition of buildings.]

EARL ST. ALDWYN

My Lords, dust nuisance during the demolition of buildings can be mitigated to a limited extent by the use of sheeting and of fine water sprays, but there is no known completely satisfactory solution to the problem.

THE EARL OF IDDESLEIGH

My Lords, are Her Majesty's Government satisfied that adequate use is being made by the contractors of sheeting or of fine water sprays?

EARL ST. ALDWYN

My Lords, I think it is possible that more use might be made of sheeting, but the use of water needs most careful control owing to the potential danger to the workmen demolishing the building. If the brickwork is dampened too much there is a considerable danger of workmen slipping and having a serious accident. Therefore, in practice it is convenient very largely to control dust at ground level.

THE MARQUESS OF CHOLMONDELEY

My Lords, I wish that the noble Earl had been alongside me the other day when I passed down Victoria Street from the Abbey. I have never seen such a disgraceful show in my life. There was a huge crane pulling down a high wall. No attempt was made to put water on it. I thought that there was a great fire going on, but my nose, throat and ears very soon informed me that it was filthy dust. No attempt was made to do anything about it. It was a new type of crane, and I think that this is just a "get rich quick" system of pulling down houses.

THE EARL OF IDDLESLEIGH

My Lords, do Her Majesty's Government consider the effect upon the lungs of the workers engaged in this occupation?

EARL ST. ALDWYN

My Lords, I myself am most conscious of the unpleasantness of demolition, in that at this moment a ruin is being demolished immediately opposite my own house. I follow what the noble Marquess has said about Victoria Street. Certainly it has been most trying there during the last few days. I will certainly draw the attention of my right honourable friend to what has been said in the House to-day, but, frankly, I cannot hold out much hope of regulations to improve this state of things being brought in in the foreseeable future.