HL Deb 14 December 1967 vol 287 cc1245-6

3.13 p.m.

LORD AMULREE

My 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 that the provisions of the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act of 1871 are sufficient to enable the Conservators appointed under that Act to prevent unauthorised tipping.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)

My Lords, this is a matter for the Conservators. If the powers in their own Act are not sufficient, they could take proceedings under the Civic Amenities Act 1967, which provides for fines of up to £100.

LORD AMULREE

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that informative reply. Can he tell me whether it is possible to bring any pressure on the Conservators to take these proceedings, in view of the quite peculiar things which are being dumped on the Common at the present time?

LORD KENNET

My Lords, any citizen can bring any pressure to bear on any public body to take proceedings.

LORD BYERS

My Lords, what would the noble Lord himself do to stop this unauthorised tipping?

LORD KENNET

My Lords, the noble Lord's Question will draw attention to it, and I myself will approach the Conservators.

LORD HAWKE

My Lords, is the noble Lord referring to "baksheesh" or to rubbish?