§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many actions have been instigated in the last five years for offences under the Highways Acts in the burning off of stubble.
§ Mr. MayhewRecords available to us, which may be incomplete, show that during the period 1977–81 court proceedings were completed against seven persons in England and Wales for burning heath or grass without a licence, contrary to section 20 of the Hill Farming Act 1946. Information for 1982 is not yet available. Information on persons proceeded against for lighting any fire within 50 ft of the centre of a highway contrary to section 161(2) of the Highways Act 1980 cannot be distinguished from that for other kinds of danger or annoyance under sections 161–163 of the Act.