HC Deb 22 May 1974 vol 874 cc174-5W
Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the number of alkali inspectors there are in post; how this compares with the establishment; and how these figures have varied over the last five years.

Mr. Crosland

There are 37 inspectors in post with one vacancy. The figures for the previous five years are as follows:

Establishment In post
1969 26 26
1970 26 26
1971 36 36
1972 36 35
1973 38 36

Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the number of separate establishments under the supervision of the Alkali Inspectorate; and how this number has varied over the last five years.

Mr. Denis Howell

There are 2,158 works registered under the Alkali, &c. Works Regulation Act 1906. At the end of the years 1968–1972 the figure stood at 1,793, 1,691, 1,621, 1,875 and 2,170 respectively.

Sir Bernard Braine

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many visits have been paid by qualified alkali inspectors to each of the former Benfleet, Canvey Island and Thurrock urban districts and, since 1st April, to their successor districts, in each of the past five years; how many complaints have been made to his Department and the Alkali Inspectorate by these local authorities and private individuals about offensive smells; what action was taken in regard to such complaints; how many monitoring stations are now in use in these areas; and where these are located.

Mr. Denis Howell

I will write to the hon. Member.

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