§ 2.46 p.m.
§ LORD MERRIVALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied with the effectiveness and the working of the Litter Act 1958; and whether they feel it is being sufficiently enforced by the police and by the bodies listed in Section 1(2) of the Act; and if not whether they would be prepared to seek greater enforcement or amend the Act.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)My Lords, local authorities and the police have adequate powers of enforcement under the Act, but it is often impossible to trace the persons responsible 1650 for leaving litter. All the same, there were 2,803 convictions last year. It is not easy to see how amendments of the Act would make it easier to catch the offenders, but my right honourable friend would be ready to consider any suggestion for amendment which the noble Lord has to make.
§ LORD MERRIVALEMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that Answer, particularly in regard to the latter part of it. Would he agree that there is an alarming increase in the amount of rubbish which is deposited and litter which is thrown down carelessly? In order to encourage greater tidiness and to facilitate the task of the police in enforcing this greater tidiness, would the noble Lord be prepared to consider amending the 1958 Act to incorporate Section 1(2) of the Road Traffic and Roads Improvement Act 1960, which gives a person who has committed an offence the opportunity of the discharge of any liability to conviction by payment of a fixed penalty—in other words, on-the-spot fines?
§ LORD KENNETMy Lords, I am not aware of any evidence—that is to say, any hard evidence—that the amount of litter being left around is increasing. But it certainly looks like it. As to the other point, about incorporating on-the-spot penalties, the matter has for some time been under examination; we are still looking at it. If the noble Lord has any specific evidence that this would be the best way to improve the law, I should be grateful if he would give it to me.
§ LORD MERRIVALEI am grateful to the noble Lord.
THE DUKE OF ATHOLLMy Lords, since this is largely a matter of education, would the Government consider sponsoring an increased "Keep Britain Tidy" campaign on television and in the newspapers?
§ LORD KENNETMy Lords, we already do quite a lot. My right honourable friend's Department commissions a poster each year and with the Central Office of Information distributes it free to local authorities. We have the collaboration of I.T.V. and the B.B.C. in making and diffusing short films against litter, and, of course, the Government 1651 pay a grant-in-aid to the "Keep Britain Tidy" Group. One would like to be able to increase these activities, but the economic climate at the moment is bad.
LORD HAWKEMy Lords, does the noble Lord's knowledge of litter extend to chassis No. BE108395BV, which has appeared on I field Common in the last few weeks?
§ LORD KENNETNo, my Lords, but my knowledge of forthcoming legislation extends to the Civic Amenities Bill and I am confident that when it is presented to the House noble Lords will find that it contains provisions for dealing with such chassis.
§ BARONESS EMMET OF AMBERLEYMy Lords, would the Minister have consultations with his colleagues in the Ministry of Education and try to start this education in the schools, which is where it should begin?
§ LORD KENNETMy Lords, a great deal is already done in the schools, especially through the "Keep Britain Tidy" Group, and the Secretary of State for Education is well in touch with this Group. I am all for increasing financial aid, when it is possible to do so.
§ BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGERMy Lords, if my noble friend is prepared to consider on-the-spot penalties, would he also consider recruiting litter wardens from local residents, many of whom suffer greatly from a noticeable increase in litter?
§ LORD KENNETYes, my Lords.