Mr. Lomas asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the powers of control he possesses over smoke pollution from publicly owned bodies and other bodies, respectively.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsThe Alkali etc. Works Regulation Act, 1906, the Public Health Acts and the Clean Air Acts, 1956 and 1968, confer powers of control, some of which are exercisable by my right hon. Friend and some by the local authorities. The premises of nationalised industries are subject to these controls in the same way as other industries, but the distinction which I believe the hon. Member is seeking resides in Section 22 of the Clean Air Act, 1956, which applies also to the Act of 1968. This qualifies the normal exemption of Crown premises by providing that on receiving representations from local authorities about smoke from Crown premises, the responsible Minister shall investigate and, where a complaint is found to be justified, employ all practicable means towards abatement.