§ 9. Mr. Wellbelovedasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that his powers to take action to eliminate the nuisance caused by offensive odours are sufficient; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerUnder the Public Health Acts it is the responsibility of the local authority to require, and of the courts to enforce, the abatement of offensive odours which are a nuisance.
§ Mr. WellbelovedWill the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the London Borough of Bexley to those provisions? Is he aware that in my area there is a major sewerage works which gives off a most distressing and nauseating stench? While it may not be harmful to health, it is certainly most inconvenient to my constituents.
§ Mr. WalkerI note what the hon. Gentleman has said.
§ Mr. David StoddartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is quite a widespread problem, and that in the Shrivenham Road area in my constituency people are plagued by smells from burning animal carcases? It really is a most horrible smell. Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether he should strengthen the powers and ensure that local authorities use those which they already have?
§ Mr. WalkerThey have considerable powers and, likewise, the courts have 1326 powers to enforce them. I am sure that the people in the area referred to by the hon. Gentleman should contact the local authority about this problem.