§ Mr. McLarenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he has taken to monitor and reduce the effects on the environment of the lead emissions at the Imperial Smelting Corporation's works at Avonmouth.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerAs this is a scheduled process, its airborne emissions have always been checked by H.M. Alkali and Clean Air Inspectorate. In addition, following reports during 1970 about deaths of ponies near the Avonmouth works, Bristol Corporation set up a liaison committee on which the Alkali Inspectorate, as well as other Government Departments and the Imperial Smelting Corporation are represented. Extensive measurements were made of lead levels in air, rain water, dust fall, vegetation and milk in the surrounding areas but no evidence has been adduced so far to show that the health of the inhabitants living in the locality of the works is being endangered by base metal pollution of the atmosphere. This monitoring is continuing. During 1970, the firm agreed with the Alkali Inspectorate to a number of improvements. Further improvements were made in 1971.
Emissions to water are the responsibility of the Severn River Authority, who, I understand, have been monitoring the levels of heavy metals in waters and marine organisms near the factory. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is monitoring the lead and cadmium content of commercial fish and shellfish in the Severn Estuary and the Bristol Channel. The results of this monitoring 204W show that while there is room for improvement in the effluent from the older part of the factory, which is being pursued, no further action is necessary to protect the public.
My Department will continue to monitor the effects of all emissions on the environment outside the works, and I intend to ensure that these emissions to both water and air are kept to the minimum.