§ 55. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Minister of Health what steps have been taken by the Metropolitan borough councils to carry out the recommendations of the departmental committee on London cleansing as to the improvement of sanitary conditions at their refuse dumps; and whether he is satisfied that they will effect the improvement required?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI understand that the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee have referred the report of the Departmental Committee to the Metropolitan Sanitary Authorities and that their replies will be considered at a meeting of the Standing Joint Committee on the 26th instant. I am not at present in a position to answer definitely the questions of the hon. and gallant Member, but I am informed that two of the borough councils have entered into fresh contracts for the tipping of refuse on a new site under improved conditions.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEDoes the right hon. Gentleman recognise that, if two authorities take independent action, it rather makes it difficult to carry on, and will he not take steps to prevent any action being taken independently
§ Mr. GREENWOODI hope that the hon. and gallant Member is not going to suggest that I should prevent enlightened authorities from, making better provision.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLENo, Sir. I want to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he does not wish the report of his Department, which requires a centralised authority, to be carried out?
§ Mr. GREENWOODMost certainly, but it involves highly controversial legislation.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEIs not that action entirely stultified by two authorities taking independent action?