§ 7. Mr. Awberyasked 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. CorfieldI am aware that many cars are so dumped. I do not think the hon. Member's suggestion is practicable but local authorities can cer- 1076 tainly help with this problem and my right hon. Friend hopes to offer them some advice on it in the near future.
§ Mr. AwberyIs 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. CorfieldAs 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. BenceIs 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. FernyhoughWhen 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. CorfieldThat 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.