§ 5. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what results have so far been achieved by the Litter Act; and if he is satisfied that all local authorities are giving reasonable support to the campaign to deal with the litter nuisance.
§ Sir K. JosephBetween August, 1958, and June, 1959, there were 1,156 convictions under the Act. Wide Press and other publicity have helped to make the public increasingly conscious that to scatter litter is an offence. Many local authorities are actively supporting the campaign against litter. My right hon. Friend hopes that the remainder will join in.
§ Mr. DoddsWould the Parliamentary Secretary answer that part of my Question which asks "if he is satisfied that all local authorities are giving reasonable support?"
§ Sir K. JosephThis is very much a campaign that depends upon public opinion. If any individual feels that his local authority lacks vigour in pursuing it, my right hon. Friend would like to know about it.
§ Mr. M. StewartAre there any statistics such as appeared in the Report of the Litter Committee to show whether less litter is being dropped, because I take it that what we want is not necessarily more prosecutions but less litter?
§ Sir K. JosephThere is evidence from some local authorities that the Act is having an effect in this way, but I should not like to give a general answer about the whole country.