THE EARL OF ONSLOWMy Lords, I wish to ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to introduce legislation dealing with smoke abatement during the present Session. Last time this matter was raised my noble friend opposite said that the Government had the fullest sympathy with the proposal to deal with smoke abatement, and he went on to say that the Ministry of Health were receiving deputations in the near future, that the Government wanted time to consider the points put before them by those deputations, and that, they would then be in a position to give more detailed information as to their intentions. I rise only to ask whether that moment has 689 come, and whether the Government are in a position to tell us any more about their intentions regarding a Bill to deal with smoke abatement.
§ EARL DE LA WARRMy Lords, the deputation to which the noble Earl has referred was recently received by the Minister, and he was pressed to introduce a Smoke Abatement Bill. A conference was held at the Ministry this week with representatives of the Coal Smoke Abatement Society and the Federation of British Industries on proposals contained in a draft Bill on the subject. There is reason to hope that a large measure of agreement was reached as to the proposals of the Bill, and it is the Minister's intention to have this Bill introduced in the House of Lords as soon as possible.
§ LORD NEWTONCan the noble Earl say whether the Bill will be introduced before the Whitsuntide Recess?
§ EARL DE LA WARRI am afraid I cannot, but it will be as soon as possible.