§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many prosecutions have occurred under section 3 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 each year since its inception; how many have been successful; on how many occasions the maximum fines have been applied; and if he will consider increasing the maximum limits of fines prescribed under the Act.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe number of prosecutions and convictions for offences under section 3 in each year since June 1976 are as follows:
Year Number of offences proceeded against Number of successful prosecutions 1976 — — 1977 15 13 1978 31 30 1979 14 13 1980 29 24 1981 50 35 1982 58 48 1983 104 66 1984 85 67 1985 93 65 1986 130 93 1987 111 77 Figures for 1988 are not yet available and information about maximum fines imposed can be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Penalties under section 3 are governed by the standard scale of fines kept under review by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department There is no limit to the fines which may currently be imposed under section 3 on conviction on indictment.