§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to amend section 72 of the Public Health Act 1936 to increase the compensation which householders may apply for when a local authority is in default of its statutory obligation to collect household refuse; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldNo. This would not be appropriate at a time when we are considering the bringing into force of the provisions of sections 12 to 14 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974. When these provisions have been brought into force they will replace the corresponding ones of the Public Health Act 1936, and a remedy for default by a local authority will be available under section 97.