§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the estimated annual cost to local authorities for the removal of chewing gum from paved areas; and if he will make a statement. [73895]
§ Mr. MealeInformation on the cost to local authorities for the removal of chewing gum from paved areas is not collected centrally. The total cost of street cleansing for the local authorities in England 1997–98 was £342 million.