§ Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) from which local authorities during the last three years he has received complaints and requests for action concerning the pollution of the air by Thamesside oil refineries;
(2) what steps have been taken to abate the continued pollution of the air of southeast Essex by the Thamesside oil refineries;
(3) from which local authorities it has been represented to him that the continued pollution of the air of south-east Essex by the Thamesside oil refineries is detrimental to health; and what steps are being taken to conduct research into the effect of this pollution on health.
§ Mr. SandysDuring the last three years I have received representations about air pollution from these refineries from the Council of the County Borough of Southend and the Urban District Councils of Rayleigh, Benfleet, Canvey Island and Sheerness. The Southend Council have expressed anxiety about the effect of the pollution on health.
The refineries are all registered under the Alkali, Etc., Works Regulation Act, 1906. They are inspected regularly by my alkali inspectors, and I am advised that all practicable steps are being taken, as the Act requires, to prevent the emission of noxious or offensive gases.
It is not practicable to eliminate pollution and unpleasant smells entirely, but I am advised that such emissions as occur are not detrimental to health.