HC Deb 25 January 1977 vol 924 cc560-1W
Mr. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what cause the SSEB attributes corrosion in a pylon in the Roughmute area.

Mr. McElhone

Officials of the Scottish Development Department have been in touch with the board, which has reported that during the latter part of 1975 it was observed that the plume from a nearby works was passing through the top part of a 275 kV tower, situated on the south bank of the River Carron, in certain atmospheric conditions of humidity and wind. An examination of the tower soon after this revealed that the galvanising was slightly discoloured and there was some minimal corrosion, but this was not sufficient to affect the integrity of the tower. However, the company concerned raised the height of the stack, since when the plume has not been seen to pass through the tower and there has been no further trouble.

Mr. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in its investigation of damaged vegetation on the south bank of the River Carron, Her Majesty's Industrial Pollution Inspectorate measured any other substance in the leaves apart from sodium chloride and sulphate; and, if so, whether he will now arrange for the appropriate results to be published.

Mr. McElhone

An analysis of the trace elements in the damaged vegetation has now been completed and will be published as soon as possible.

Mr. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he accepts that damage to vegetation on the south bank of the River Carron was caused solely by common salt.

Mr. McElhone

The damage was caused by common salt aggravated by the drought.

Mr. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from residents in Larbert, Stenhousemuir and the surrounding area about atmospheric pollution.

Mr. McElhone

In 1975 my right hon. Friend received 21 representations, and in 1976, 14. Many of these subjects of complaints have now been rectified. In addition, a petition containing some 500 signatures was submitted. A local liaison committee has been set up to help local residents to make representations, to provide them with information about the firm and as a forum for discussion.