§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many complaints he has received from within London with regard to nuisance caused by urban pests such as bees, foxes, wasps, cockroaches; and how many representations he has so far received, and from whom, in regard to the relevant consultation paper.
§ Mr. WaldegraveA few local authorities, including some in London, have in the past suggested that their current powers were insufficient to control various-species which can cause nuisance in urban areas. We have therefore consulted on possible amendments to the Public Health Acts 1936 and 1961. Of some 290 responses to the Department's consultation document received up to 31 March, some 200, including 180 from beekeepers or organisations representing beekeepers, have commented on these particular proposals. As was made clear in the consultation document itself, we will in due course be placing in the Library of the House copies of all responses where the authors have agreed to this; other responses will be included in any numerical analysis of views received.