HC Deb 21 January 1958 vol 580 c866
2. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements are being made for adequate supplies of solid smokeless fuel consequent on the establishment of smokeless zones.

Mr. J. N. Browne

As my right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General told the House on 11th March last, supplies of solid smokeless fuels are sufficient to meet not only present demands but likely demands in the immediate future. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no reason to suppose that any proposals for smoke control areas put forward by Scottish local authorities will have to be turned down for lack of solid smokeless fuel.

Mr. Hannan

Will the Minister bear in mind that under the Regulations it is now an offence to allow smoke to be emitted in these zones, and will he take all possible steps to ensure that these supplies will be adequate, so that people may not be able to use that as a defence when they are charged under the Act?

Mr. Browne

Yes, Sir.