§ 38. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Works how many persons have been prosecuted for leaving litter in the Royal Parks since 10th July, 1950; and if he is satisfied with the number and size of receptacles provided.
§ Mr. StokesThere has been one prosecution since 10th July, 1950. In this case the offender refused to pick up litter deposited by her, when required to do so by a park keeper. She was fined 20s. For normal occasions I am satisfied with the number and size of the receptacles but I am making arrangements to increase their number during the weekends of the spring and summer months.
§ Mr. RussellDoes the answer of the right hon. Gentleman mean that less litter has been deposited in the parks, or that his Department have not been prosecuting strongly enough?
§ Mr. StokesThe position is a little better. These prosecutions are not very popular. I am doing my best. It is always difficult to get proof, but I think that on the whole the situation is improving.
§ Mr. KeelingWill the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that neither the absence of litter baskets nor their fulness will be considered an excuse for throwing paper down in the parks?
§ Mr. StokesI quite agree, and I am at present in course of organising an anti-litter campaign.