HC Deb 04 August 1966 vol 733 cc657-8
5. Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions were made under anti-litter regulations during the last 12 months.

Mr. Taverne

During 1965, the last complete year for which statistics are available, there were 2,914 prosecutions in England and Wales under the Litter Act, 1958.

Mrs. Butler

As these prosecutions do not seem to have materially improved the slovenly state of the towns and countryside, would my hon. Friend consider what other steps could be taken to deal with this shocking condition and perhaps other methods for encouraging public responsibility? May I remind him that in this House, for example, a sackful of litter is taken from this Chamber every morning? Perhaps we could begin by setting an example here.

Mr. Taverne

I am not responsible for dealing with litter in the House, but I will certainly bear in mind my hon. Friend's remarks. The provisions of the Litter Act are matters for the Minister of Housing and Local Government and not the Home Office.