§ Sir K. Thompsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he has concluded his review of arrangements for the establishment of smoke control areas; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephIn consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power, who is tomorrow presenting to Parliament a White Paper entitledDomestic Fuel Supplies and the Clean Air Policy, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have decided that certain changes in the existing arrangements relating to the establishment of smoke control areas are desirable. Some of the changes involve amendment of the Clean Air Act, 1956, and the necessary provisions are included in the Housing Bill. Other changes can and should be introduced forthwith, and the necessary guidance is being issued to local authorities tomorrow. These measures together will, we hope, enable local authorities to maintain the momentum of their smoke control programmes.