§ 33. Mr. Marquandasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he proposes to take to implement the recommendations of the Committee on Air Pollution.
§ 42. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to enable local authorities to establish smokeless and smoke-control zones, as recommended in the Final Report of the Beaver Committee.
§ Mr. SandysThe Committee's recommendations are being considered and I shall make a statement of the Government's intentions in due course.
§ Mr. MarquandIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was distinct dissatisfaction among people who were interested in this important subject that he could not have promised legislation on it in the Gracious Speech? How soon does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to tell the House the result of his consideration?
§ Mr. SandysIt is just as well to study this important Report before rushing into legislation.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIf hon. Members succeed in a forthcoming Ballot for Private Members' legislation, will the right hon. Gentleman give every encouragement to that way of trying to deal with the problem?
§ Mr. SandysI do not think that Private Members' legislation is a suitable medium for introducing Measures involving very large public expenditure.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs it not at least possible in a case of this sort to make sure that local authorities have power to set up smoke-control zones without any great addition to public expenditure?
§ Mr. SandysI am just as keen on this subject as the hon. Member. I shall do all that I can to clear the air about the Government's intentions as soon as possible.