§ Mr. Crouchasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he is satisfied that the recommendations of the Alkali and Clean Air Inspectorate concerning the smoke pollution emanating from the aggregate plant at Snowdon Colliery will be sufficient to remedy this hazard to health and the environment in the immediate future;
(2) what steps he intends to take to stop the atmospheric pollution of a large area of East Kent resulting from the Brag aggregate plant at Snowdown Colliery.
§ Mr. Denis HowellI am not aware of any hazard to public health from these emissions. The Alkali and Clean Air Inspectorate has required the firm to fit arrestment equipment to the plant to prevent atmospheric pollution. Urgent investigations are now being undertaken to find what will be the most effective type of equipment. I recently met a delegation from the area and I am keeping in close touch with developments. I have also written recently to the hon. Member on this matter.