§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secreary of State for the Environment, if he will take steps to increase the penalties available to the courts to deal with the dropping of litter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department is proposing to double the maximum fines which may be imposed for summary offences with effect from 1 May 1984. Under these proposals, the maximum fine on summary conviction for an offence under the Litter Act 1983 will rise to £400.
The Government believe that the long-term solution to the litter problem must lie primarily in persuading the public not to drop litter. To this end we give financial support to the Keep Britain Tidy Group, which campaign continuously against litter, in collaboration with local authorities, voluntary groups, industry and commerce.