§ 14. Mr. Graham Pageasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he expects to introduce legislation to clarify the position of local authorities with regard to coastal pollution.
§ Mr. Denis HowellIt is intended to put on a legislative basis the co-operative 193 arrangements which have already been made between local authorities, and for the payment of grants to them. This legislation will be introduced as soon as opportunity permits.
§ Mr. PageI am very glad to hear that. The hon. Gentleman says that it will be as soon as opportunity permits, but I am sure that he will realise that local authorities are put in grave difficulties while they are left in doubt about what the legislation will be. May I therefore urge him to bring in the legislation as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. HowellI will undertake, in conjunction with the local authority associations, to see what can be done, and let them know our intentions, but the difficulties of programming legislation in the House are, I know, well appreciated by the hon. Gentleman.