§ 12. Sir R. Russellasked the Minister of Public Building and Works how much litter was swept up from the Royal Parks in 1967; what was the cost of collecting it; and how many persons were prosecuted for dropping litter.
§ Mr. MellishSeparate figures are not kept for litter alone, but about 38,000 cubic yards of grass cuttings, garden refuse, litter and other such waste were collected in 1967, at a cost of some £18,000.
There were no prosecutions during 1967. People seen dropping litter are normally asked to pick it up, and cautioned.
§ Sir R. RussellCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there has been any decrease in the dropping of litter since the Litter Act came into being?
§ Mr. MellishThis is an intractable problem. I gather that it has defied solution over the years, both in the Royal Parks and elsewhere. Until the public as a whole can be educated to adopt tidier habits we are not likely to get an improvement in the parks. On this matter, again, I shall consider any suggestions from hon. Members or from members of the public.