HC Deb 14 February 1956 vol 548 c2167
44. Mr. Fernyhoogh

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to compel owners of old pits, pools, lakes, etc., adjacent to urban areas which are a danger to young children, to either fence them or fill them in.

Mr. Sandys

The existing laws already provide considerable powers for this purpose.

Mr. Fernyhough

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving generous grants to local authorities who want to remove these danger spots to the lives of young children, so that those local authorities can use them towards making such places secure and safe?

Mr. Sandys

I think I am right in saying that we are talking about ponds, quarries and pits which are not owned by local authorities. Such local authorities have power, within certain limits laid down by law, to require the owners to put up fences, and the cost falls upon the owners.