HC Deb 29 March 1972 vol 834 cc407-8
7. Mr. Sydney Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will study the scheme devised by local authorities in Bedfordshire, a copy of which is in his possession, for a levy to cover the cost of disposing of permanently retired cars.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

My right hon. Friend has already done so. I am afraid however that the benefits of the scheme would not justify the extra staff needed to operate it.

Mr. Chapman

Although there is legislation, under the Civic Amenities Act, 1967, to try to deal with the problem, does not my hon. Friend think that the problem of old vehicles being left in public places in worsening? If he feels that he cannot meet the suggestions in the Bedfordshire scheme, does he not think it urgent to strengthen the law further to stop this practice?

Mr. Griffiths

Of course there is a problem, with about 1 million new cars being registered each year and a similar number being scrapped each year. As my hon. Friend suggests, we must look for remedies.