HC Deb 26 April 1988 vol 132 cc140-1W
Mr. David Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received in respect of lime dust released into the atmosphere in the Cheriton region of Folkestone; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. Allan Roberts

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has about the circumstances which led to the problems caused by lime spraying by the Eurotunnel consortium and its subsequent effects on the residents of Cheriton, Kent; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Roe

[holding answers 19 and 21 April 1988]: My hon. and learned Friend the Member for Folkestone (Mr. Howard) drew this incident to the Department's attention immediately on 6 April. Shepway district council contacted Eurotunnel, which is responsible for the work and the operation was suspended while the adverse weather conditions prevailed. This particular phase of the work was completed without a further recurrence of the problem.

Shepway district council has served a notice on Eurotunnel under the Public Health (Recurring Nuisances) Act 1961 to prevent similar incidents from occurring. In future the contractor will use lime granules, which are much less prone to wind disturbance.

Mr. Allan Roberts

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to monitor the construction works being carried out by the Eurotunnel consortium works, particularly in respect of dust levels in the Cheriton area of Kent; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Roe

[holding answer 21 April 1988]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Dover (Mr. Shaw) today. As required by the terms of the concession, an independent body, Maitre D'Oeuvre, has been appointed to monitor the design of the works and the detailed operation of the contract on behalf of the IGC. In addition, a joint consultative committee has been set up under the chairmanship of my hon. Friend the Minister for Public Transport, with representatives of Government Departments, local authorities in Kent, Eurotunnel and British Rail to consider any matters of concern to Kent in relation to the Channel tunnel project.