§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider introducing legislation to cover the operation of maggot farms in the United Kingdom, in view of the undesirable odour that emanates from such premises, particularly in residential areas.
§ Mr. Graham PageExisting powers under Sections 107 and 108 of the Public Health Act, 1936, enable local authorities to make—subject to confirmation by my right, hon. Friend—orders declaring trades of this kind offensive and byelaws for their control. These powers have been used in respect of maggot breeding. In places affected where the powers have not yet been exercised, local authorities are proposing to submit such orders and byelaws. Technicaly advice upon effective legislative provisions may come from the findings and recommendations of a broadly based working party currently being set up by my Department, under the chairmanship of Dr. F H. H. Valentin 273W of the Warren Spring Laboratory, to examine the problem of unpleasant odours emitted by offensive and similar trades and to make recommendations about the best practicable means for their minimisation and suppression.