§ 140. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will have special attention given to the smoke poured out from the Victoria Works, Fenton, the tileries in Trent Vale, Blurton and Longton and from some of the potteries in Stoke, Fenton and Longton.
§ 141. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action has been taken to reduce the smoke poured out over the City of Stoke-on-Trent since the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South, last raised the matter in question.
§ Mr. MarplesSmoke from the potteries has been reduced by installating gas and electrically fired ovens in place of solid fuel firing, and this process is continuing. The City Council, who are primarily responsible for smoke abatement in their area, have been active in the matter and my right hon. Friend understands that they are attending to the particular cases referred to.
§ 142. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take steps to give the local authorities more power to deal with the pollution of the air by smoke.
§ Mr. MarplesMy right hon. Friend thinks that the present powers are adequate. The difficulties are practical rather than legal.