§ 27. Mr. Mayhewasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action he is taking to control the heavy pollution of the atmosphere in the Woolwich area by cement dust from the concentration of cement-producing plant in the North-West Kent area; and what steps he has taken to ensure that all the firms concerned are equipped with the latest dust precipitation plant.
§ Mr. CorfieldSince the war the cement companies, at the instigation of the Alkali Inspectorate, have spent a great deal of money on the installation and modernisation of dust precipitators. Only one working kiln in the area is not fitted with a precipitator, and this will soon be remedied. The root cause of the recent outbreak was use of an un-18W suitable clay raw material. My right hon. Friend is ensuring that there is no avoidable delay in switching to a more suitable clay.