§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why the Health and Safety Commission has circulated proposals to remove from local authorities control over certain clean air duties; and if he proposes to make any change in staffing levels in central Government to cope with the additional work.
§ Mr. FoxThe purpose of the proposals was fully set out in the consultative document; the question of staffing levels will be taken into account by my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment, Scotland and Wales when formal proposals are put forward by the Health and Safety Commission in the light of the consultations.
§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will 511W re-assess the effect of the Health and Safety Commission's proposals to remove from local authorities control over certain clean air duties, and if he will withdraw the proposals.
§ Mr. FoxWhen the Health and Safety Commission makes any formal proposals for changes of control to my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment, Scotland and Wales they will be carefully considered.