§ Mr. R. W. Elliottasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many smoke control orders were submitted to him during 1972; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsThere has been an excellent response to the Departmental circular of July 1971 urging local authorities to submit smoke control orders. The annual total of orders submitted during 1972 was 360, the largest ever; 50 per cent. more than in 1971, and 7 per cent. more than in the previous record year, 1967. These covered 148,000 acres in all—46,000 more than in 1967—and 492,000 premises-1,500 more than in 1967. Sixty-six per cent. of all premises in the "black" areas are now covered by orders. At this rate, complete coverage will be achieved before 1980.