§ Mr. Hobdenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, in view of the fact that atmospheric pollution costs this country £350 millions per annum, what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation.
§ Mr. MellishSubstantial results have already been achieved in reducing air pollution, including smoke pollution, from those industrial and chemical processes for which the Alkali Inspectorate is responsible and which account for about 75 per cent. of the total fuel burned in the country. The eventual aim is to ensure that in every case the best practical means of reducing the emissions are used.
It is estimated that about three-quarters of the total smoke in the U.K. now comes from coal burned on domestic fires. My right hon. Friend's policy is to encourage the local authorities in the polluted areas to exercise their discretionary powers under the Clean Air Act to create smoke control areas. Some of these authorities have made satisfactory progress. He has already taken steps to spur on the remainder and will continue to do so. If necessary, he is prepared to consider making it a statutory duty for local authorities in the black areas to introduce smoke control.