§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to increase the powers of local authorities to inspect premises under the Public Health (Drainage of Trade Premises) Act, 1937, and to increase substantially the present maximum fine of £50 under that Act.
§ Mr. Graham PageI have no reason to believe that the powers of local authorities under the Act are inadequate, but as soon as opportunity for legislation offers I shall propose that the fines that can be awarded on summary conviction for offences connected with pollution should be increased substantially. I shall review the penalties under the Act of 1937 in that context.