HC Deb 26 June 1972 vol 839 cc243-5W
Mr. Kinnock

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many grit and dust monitoring stations similar to those in Monmouth shire have been established in other areas of South Wales, and where are they located.

Mr. Peter Thomas

Thirty-four, as follows:

Aberdare 4 sites
Aberthaw 7 sites
Cardiff 4 sites
Gelligaer 1 site
Llantrisant 1 site
Merthyr Tydfil 3 sites
Mountain Ash 4 sites
Pontypridd 1 site
Port Talbot 3 sites
Swansea 6 sites

Mr. Kinnock

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what materials have been found in the solid particles collected at the six dust monitoring gauges in Monmouth shire where more than 200 milligrammes per square metre were recorded in the atmosphere.

Mr. Peter Thomas

Comprehensive information on this subject is not available. I will write to the hon. Member further on this.

Mr. Kinnock

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the readings at each of the six dust montitoring guages in Monmouth shire where more than 200 milligrammes per square metre of solid material were found in the atmosphere.

Mr. Peter Thomas

For the latest period available the average daily readings of grit and dust for the stations in question were as follows:

  • Bishton Station No. 1–343 milligrammes per square metre.
  • Magor & St. Mellons No. 1–422 milligrammes per square metre.
  • Llanmartin No. 1–201 milligrammes per square metre.
  • Nash No. 1–292 milligrammes per square metre.
  • Ebbw Vale No. 1–638 milligrammes per square metre.
  • Ebbw Vale No. 6–482 milligrammes per square metre.

The readings at these guages are highly localised and may be affected by factors such as the volume of traffic in the vicinity and the proximity of road works. They should therefore be interpreted with caution and in the light of local conditions.