§ Mr. Stewart-Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that the fines for selling bituminous solid fuel in smokeless zones in contravention of the Clean Air Act are adequate to deter this practice; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsNo. The present maximum fine of £20 for an offence under Section 9 of the Clean Air Act 1968 is included in the review of penalties for pollution offences now being carried out by my Department. My right hon. and learned Friend has it in mind to propose substantial increases in such penalties.