HC Deb 01 February 1972 vol 830 c90W
Mr. Laurance Reed

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what reference he has made to penalties imposed by Common Market countries during his review of pollution penalties in this country.

Mr. Peter Walker

I have taken account of the penalties provided in the pollution control legislation of some Common Market and other industrialised countries, but in view of the differences in law and in environmental circumstances from one country to another, my proposals will be designed to deal with circumstances in this country. There is no obligation to harmonise such penalties within the Common Market.