§ 69. Sir W. de FRECEasked the Minister of Health the policy of his Department with regard to applications by municipal authorities for special powers to deal with the control of litter, and more especially in the direction of distribution of handbills which are thrown away by pedestrians; whether any municipal authorities have asked for special powers in this direction this year; if so, with what results; and whether, in view of the increase of the nuisance of uncontrolled litter, he will give local authorities greater powers than they possess at present if and when they ask for them by private legislation?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Arthur Henderson)I have been asked to take this question. Bye-laws for the prevention of litter can be made under the Municipal Corporations Act, 1882, and bye-laws have been made by numerous local authorities dealing with various aspects of the matter, including the distribution of handbills. One or two local authorities have applied to Parliament 373 this Session for special powers. The Bills are still before Parliament, with whom and not with me rests the decision whether the powers shall be granted.