asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what reply he has sent to a letter from the Town Clerk of Derby dated 12th June, 1963, concerning the serious nuisance caused by the emission of smoke from the premises of G. E. Baker (Metals) Limited, and Denby Metals Limited, Great Northern Road, Derby.

The town clerk has been told that my right hon. Friend's consent is not required to the service of an abatement notice. His consent would be required before proceedings could be taken against the company, but as at present advised he would not consider himself justified in giving it.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that I am asking this Question at the request of the borough council? Is he further aware that it is now seven years since the so-called Clean Air Act was passed? This appalling nuisance in Derby has been getting worse ever since. Will he urge upon his right hon. Friend that he should assure the council that he will give consent to proceedings?

My right hon. Friend is advised by the Alkali Inspectorate that this company is doing all that it can reasonably be expected to do to meet this problem. As the right hon. Gentleman no doubt knows, that would constitute a defence to proceedings. I am bound to say that I cannot think that this would be a very profitable exercise.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary and his right hon. Friend look at this matter again? It is at least five years since the Alkali Inspectorate told me exactly what it is now saying—and it is too long.