§ 20. Mr. Gardnerasked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning what inter-departmental machinery exists for the co-ordination of research and policy making concerning problems of environmental pollution.
§ The Minister of State (Mr. T. W. Urwin)There is a wide variety of methods for securing co-ordination in this field. But, as the Prime Minister has announced, my right hon. Friend is conducting an urgent review of the machinery and it is hoped that a statement will be made before the end of the year.
§ Mr. GardnerWhile we all welcome the new responsibilities of my right hon. Friend, does not the Minister of State think that the problem is now so serious that it requires investigation by Royal Commission, to recommend action and the kind of machinery necessary to carry out such action?
§ Mr. UrwinI would advise my hon. Friend, who I know has deep and continuing interests in this subject, that a great deal of expert advice is already available to the Government. I am sure that the question of the benefits or otherwise of the establishment of a Royal Commission have not escaped the notice of my right hon. Friend. Having said that, I would ask him to await a statement soon to be made.
§ Mr. ChatawaySince the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional 232 Planning seems to be empowered to answer only two Questions, this one and another about the expected date of the Redcliffe-Maud White Paper, should he not, when either is asked, be encouraged to come to the House to answer them?