HC Deb 08 March 1972 vol 832 cc1445-6
35. Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that the Civic Amenities Act, 1967, is operating satisfactorily; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

My hon. Friend will know that the Government propose to strengthen the powers to protect conservation areas, of which 1,585 have so far been designated, by controlling the demolition of selected buildings in them and that provision to this effect is before this House; I have also proposed to introduce a new grant to help outstanding conservation areas.

Mr. Morrison

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that reply. Are there any or many local authorities in any part of the country which are not making use of the provisions of the Act to establish conservation areas?

Mr. Walker

Yes. I think that local authorities could do more to establish both conservation and improvement areas.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

The Civic Amenities Act refers to the clearance of derelict cars and lorries abandoned on the streets. Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why some of these vehicles remain for months and, indeed, years in working class areas whereas, in salubrious areas such as Whitehall and the Mall, lorries are not allowed to park even for two or three minutes? Will he try to get these lorries and cars off the streets in working class areas?

Mr. Walker

Yes, Sir.