§ Mr. R. J. Taylorasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has yet decided upon the steps he will take to make burning pit-heaps invisible during air-raid practice manoeuvres or in an emergency?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe responsibility for dealing with burning pitheaps rests with their owners; but, as I have explained in reply to previous questions, steps are being taken by my Department, in cooperation with the Alkali Inspectors of the Ministry of Health and with the assistance of the Mining Association, to bring the problem to the attention of colliery owners and to suggest the measures to be taken to deal with it. As the hon. Member will be aware, the Civil Defence Bill contains a provision which will enable me to require necessary measures to be taken. The nature of the solution will depend in each case on the circumstances of the particular pitheap.