HC Deb 16 May 1968 vol 764 cc1372-3
3. Mr. John Page

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have taken place under the Litter Act during each year since the legislation was enacted; and how many of these resulted in convictions.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT, a table showing, for England and Wales, the number of persons prosecuted and the number convicted in each year.

Mr. Page

Whilst realising that I cannot make very informed comments on that Answer, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is satisfied that everything is being done to make use of existing legislation so that the despoiling of the countryside with litter does not continue at the present rate?

Mr. Morgan

Yes, I am satisfied that the Act referred to is adequate. The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the powers in the Civic Amenities Act, 1967, in relation to this matter.

Following is the table:

Persons prosecuted Persons convicted
1958 (from 7th August when the Litter Act 1958 came into force) 268 262
1959 2,450 2,370
1960 2,599 2,527
1961 2,395 2,322
1962 2,530 2,457
1963 2,736 2,648
1964 2,984 2,866
1965 2,914 2,803
1966 2,773 2,670
1967 2,962 2,851
24,611 23,776