§ 61. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Minister of Health what number of 1340 local authorities have adopted by-laws on the subject of smoke abatement; what number have no by-laws; and whether it is proposed to take any steps to extend the adoption of such by-laws?
§ Mr. GREENWOOD116 local authorities have made by-laws. Although this leaves 1,652 without by-laws, the districts without by-laws are largely those where few or no manufacturing processes are found, and many of them are rural. In view of this, and of the powers of proceeding for proved nuisance even without by-laws, I do not think it necessary at present to exercise the power given me by the Act of 1926 of forcing local authorities to make by-laws.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this question of smoke abatement is of very vital interest to the public health, and will be not try to ginger up the local authorities so that they do a little more than they have done?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI am very anxious to encourage local authorities, but the process of gingering up is one to which there is a limit.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEWhy does not the right hon. Gentleman use the powers that he has in that direction?