§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider ways in which the co-operation of the Alkali Inspectorate with local authorities can be improved.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution is engaged upon a special study of air pollution control. This includes consideration of the relationship between the Alkali Inspectorate and local authorities. I shall study carefully any recommendations which the commission makes upon this subject.
§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to increase the number of inspectors employed by the Alkali Inspectorate.
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§ Mr. Denis HowellAny increase in the number of inspectors employed by the Alkali Inspectorate is primarily a matter for the Health and Safety Executive and the Health and Safety Commission. I am advised by the Health and Safety Commission that three additional alkali inspectors are being recruited and that consideration is being given to further increases in the strength of the Inspectorate.
§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many inspectors are employed by the Alkali Inspectorate to cover each of the home counties at the latest convenient date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThere are eight inspectors, in four separate districts, whose responsibilities include the Home Counties.
§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that the present establishment of the Alkali Inspectorate is able to deal adequately with the calls made upon its services.
§ Mr. Denis HowellPlans are already in hand for increases in the establishment of the Alkali Inspectorate. The complement will be kept under review in the light of demands made upon the Inspectorate.