§ 26. Mr. Ian Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many successful prosecutions there have been under the Litter Act since the penalties were increased.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe increased penalties came into effect on 27th June. 1971. There were 258 convictions of contraventions of the Litter Act in the six months period ending 31st December, 1971, the latest date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. CampbellLooking around the urban areas, is the Minister completely satisfied that the Act is being implemented with sufficient vigour? If not, is he prepared to issue instructions to the police forces, particularly bearing in mind the increased number of tourists who visit our country every year?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI do not think that any of us will be totally satisfied that we keep either our urban or our country areas as tidy and clean as we should like. But this is a matter to be dealt with by the local police forces and local authorities. I shall look into what the hon. Gentleman said.