§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many smoke control orders were brought into operation in the past year, and how many orders were suspended through shortage of smokeless fuel; how this compares with the previous year; and what further action he is taking to encourage progress with smoke control.
§ Mr. Eldon Griffiths212 smoke control orders were confirmed during 1970, although local authorities may have used their discretionary powers temporarily to defer the coming into operation of some of these. The solid smokeless fuel shortage necessitated the suspension, in whole or in part, of 810 orders for various periods. The corresponding figures for 1969 are 259 and 26 respectively. Despite the shortage, we are continuing to accept orders submitted by authorities in "black" areas and also by any other authorities implementing approved programmes of smoke control. As the shortage eases, more active encouragement will become practicable.