HC Deb 25 April 1967 vol 745 cc1307-8
4. Mr. Longden

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action has so far been taken by the Hertfordshire County Council to implement his Department's circular No. 8/65 about derelict cars.

Mr. MacColl

The circular mainly concerned action by district councils and other refuse-collecting authorities. It asked county councils to co-ordinate action by district councils. I understand that Hertfordshire, after discussion with its district councils, concluded that adequate arrangements for co-ordination had already been made.

Mr. Longden

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that is a rather disappointing reply, and that very soon there will be about 1 million derelict cars a year to be disposed of? Will he bring to the attention of these authorities the various processes which are available for disposing very quickly of cars, and which will actually pay for the privilege of doing so?

Mr. MacColl

Hertfordshire district authorities are working together, and are, I believe, negotiating to tender with the firm which works for the Greater London Council in this respect.

Mr. John Hall

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is an extremely serious problem in areas of natural beauty, for example the Chiltern Hills and the Buckinghamshire woods? Recently in the woods near High Wycombe about 60 cars had to be taken away, and the same sort of number is accumulating in the very same place. Will the hon. Gentleman therefore impress on the councils concerned the urgency of this matter?

Mr. MacColl

The Civic Amenities Bill which is now in another place will impose an obligation on local authorities to deal with this kind of refuse.