§ 43. Mr. John Hallasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what percentage of the black areas of heavy pollution are covered by Smoke Control Orders under the Clean Air Act; if he is satisfied with the extent to which local authorities are implementing the provisions of the Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ 63. Mr. Roseasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will take action in respect of smoke abatement to encourage local authorities to expedite their programme and consult with those authorities currently reducing their planned programmes, with a view to minimising the consequent damage to public health.
§ Mr. GreenwoodAt the beginning of this year, 43 per cent. of premises in black areas were covered by smoke control orders. There has been fair progress in the last two years. As the House is aware, I have recently asked local authorities to effect a sharp reduction in the growth of their current and capital expenditure. In these circumstances it would not be appropriate for me at this time to press local authorities to expedite 49W schemes, although I hope they will continue to have regard to the importance of clean air.