HC Deb 21 April 1964 vol 693 cc1075-6
7. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware of the increasing number of car owners who dump their unwanted worn-out cars on waste ground in cities, so creating an eyesore and a danger to children, and that these have to be removed at public expense; and if he will now introduce legislation to make it an obligation on all car owners to dispose of their unwanted vehicles through a municipal depôt established for this purpose.

Mr. Corfield

I am aware that many cars are so dumped. I do not think the hon. Member's suggestion is practicable but local authorities can cer- tainly help with this problem and my right hon. Friend hopes to offer them some advice on it in the near future.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in almost every town I visit I see these ugly, unsightly and offensive heaps of scrap caused by people who have discarded their cars? Is he aware that I am not blaming the car owners—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"]—because they have no place to put their cars. Is he aware that if the local authorities would establish depôts, even though a charge were made to car owners, this, in my opinion, would be a great saving to the ratepayers? Will he ask local authorities to adopt the principle of establishing local depôts?

Mr. Corfield

As I said, I have no doubt that the local authorities have a part to play. I ask the hon. Gentleman and the House to await a circular which will be based on detailed discussions with the local authority associations and the scrap metal merchants' association to find the best answer to this problem.

Mr. Bence

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that during the past six months I have seen a Volkswagon standing in a side street with a notice on the windscreen, "Licence applied for"? Is he aware that the notice has now gone and that the vehicle is causing a nuisance and obstructing the traffic? Will he do something about this problem?

Mr. Fernyhough

When the hon. Gentleman sends out a circular, will he also ask local authorities whether they can do anything to help with the collection of old mattresses, bicycles and prams which, if they are dumped, cause quite a considerable nuisance in many parts of the country?

Mr. Corfield

That is a different question. It is a matter which is very much under consideration, but I cannot guarantee that it will be dealt with in the same circular.