§ 24. Mr. Silvesterasked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning what representations he has received during the past month on the shortage of smokeless fuel, and its effect upon clean-air policy; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. Crosland:I have been urgently examining with my right hon. Friends the Paymaster-General and the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps may be necessary to safeguard our clean-air policy, and I hope we shall be in a position to make a statement very soon. Meanwhile, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government has during the last month received requests for suspension orders from 13 local authorities which he has approved or is about to approve; and appropriate replies are being sent to the 25 other letters received from hon. Members and local authorities.