HC Deb 11 November 1971 vol 825 c242W
Mr. Darling

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will direct the Alkali Inspectorate to measure and analyse the noxious emissions from the British Acheson Electrodes Company's works in Sheffield and take action under the Alkali Acts and regulations to obtain amelioration of the atmospheric pollution which is causing distress to neighbouring residents and is defoliating adjacent wood-lands.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

The Alkali and Clean Air Inspectorate is fully aware of complaints about smell from this works and is satisfied that the management is using best practicable means to minimise emissions from the tar process. New equipment is to be tried out shortly to reduce the pitch fumes. The Inspectorate does not consider that the defoliation which took place some months ago was due to air pollution.