§ 2. Mr. Longdenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, what action has been taken by his Department, and by local authorities, as a result of the Report of the Working Party on Refuse Collection, and with what results; if he is satisfied that the maximum penalties for infringing the anti-litter laws are now adequate; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonMost of the 127 recommendations in the Report relate to ways in which local authorities can improve their refuse collection services but their adoption must depend, among other things, on the economic situation and other calls upon local authorities' resources. Nevertheless, a number of authorities are experimenting with pilot schemes, or planning improvements to be put into operation when economic circumstances permit.
Two of the recommendations which called for changes in the law have been dealt with in the Civic Amenities Act, 1967.
Penalties for dropping litter are adequate. The problem is detection.