§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he intends to introduce regulations under section 143 of the Public Health Act 1936 to enable local authorities to control the hygiene of acupuncture, ear-piercing and tattooing establishments to avoid the anomalies that may be introduced under various county council Bills.
§ Mr. MoyleIt is not my present intention to do so. I do not yet have evidence that more than a limited number of local authorities seek such powers. I am advised that the power to make regulations under Section 143 of the Public Health Act, 1936 is limited in scope and would not meet the requirements of those county councils which are seeking through these Bills to take
514Waccommodation and general services cannot be obtained without disproportionate cost, but such information as is available is shown below:
powers for district councils to control the hygiene of some or all of acupuncture, tattooing or ear-piercing establishments.
§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether a decision has yet been taken that he will introduce general enabling legislation to enable local authorities to control the hygiene of acupuncture, ear-piercing and tattooing establishments, in view of the risk that anomalies may arise following the introduction of the West Midlands County Council Bill and other such county council Bills.
§ Mr. MoyleNo, I do not yet have evidence that more than a limited number of local authorities at present seek such powers. In the meantime I see no reason why such county councils as do wish to take them for their own district councils should not do so through Bills 515W of their own promotion. No anomalies would be caused by current proposed legislation.