§ 31. Mr. Arthur Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he now has information about the availability and nature of facilities for waste disposal in each local authority area; and if he can give the date when he expects to propose detailed discussions with local authorities on the technical considerations of this problem.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerEach local authority already has some information in its capacity as either refuse disposal authority or local planning authority. I have suggested in Circular 26/71, that information might be assembled in a standard form in the period preceding local government reorganisation and, therefore, be available to the new authorities when they assume responsibility.
§ Mr. WalkerYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Denis HowellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the dumping of waste and refuse in our larger cities is causing increasing annoyance to large numbers of people? Is he satisfied that local authorities have sufficient powers and implement the penalties that they have, and would he review this whole matter?
§ Mr. WalkerWe have already taken action in regard to the river authorities and have increased the penalties in regard to waste products dumped by individuals. We hope that our proposals for reorganisation of local government will enable us in future to organise these matters on a much more rational basis.