HC Deb 08 May 1961 vol 640 cc15-6W
Dame Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many local authorities are operating under the Public Health Code of 1875 and how many under the 1892 Code; and what action he proposes to take to facilitate the change-over.

Mr. Brooke

The code of 1892 applies in all rural districts. It has also been adopted by all except about 200 borough and urban district councils who still rely on the code of 1875 or on local Acts.

There is no question of any compulsory changeover from one code to another; but I recently issued a circular to private street works authorities in which I encouraged those who had not already done so to adopt the code of 1892, which is generally more flexible and more suited to modern conditions. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the circular.