§ 49. Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to locate the cause, or causes, of intermittent atmospheric pollution above Canvey Island and Benfleet which has caused sickness and inconvenience to large numbers of residents and has been the subject of persistent complaints since last summer; what improvements can be made in monitoring devices; and what sanctions are available to deal with offenders.
§ Mr. MarksThe Alkali and Clean Air Inspectorate and the local authority are making every effort to trace the source of this pollution. A working group has been set up involving local industrialists. Appropriate monitoring is being carried out. The Alkali Inspectorate and local 763W authority have powers to conduct prosecutions if necessary. My right hon. Friend will be calling for further progress reports, and we shall keep the hon. Gentleman informed of developments.