HC Deb 03 April 1973 vol 854 cc72-3W
Sir Clive Bossom

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now consider introducing statutory controls over the burning of straw and stubble, particularly in the vicinity of conurbations, in view of the effects on safety and pollution of such activities.

Mr. Graham Page

No. the local authorities already have power, under Part III of the Public Health Act 1936, to take action in any case where they consider that a statutory nuisance has arisen. Furthermore, the National Farmers' Union, with the help of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, have prepared and distributed for the observance of their members a straw burning code which stresses the importance of having regard to considerations both of safety and of the risk of causing nuisance from smoke.