§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) whether he will investigate the possibility of establishing in a permanent form a body responsible for keeping the foreshore free of rubbish and the more obvious forms of pollution;
326W(2) how many local authorities in Northern Ireland have instituted proceedings under the Litter Acts; how many proceedings have been instituted; and what is his policy on the need for special measures for coastal areas and seaside resorts.
§ Mr. David HowellOne hundred and twenty-seven proceedings have been taken under the Litter Act (Northern Ireland) 1960 by 25 local authorities. My right hon. Friend was impressed by the effort of voluntary youth groups who cleared the whole coastal area of Strangford Lough recently and is considering what steps can be taken to encourage and assist local authorities, particularly in coastal areas.