§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now use his powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to secure the removal of accumulated refuse from the streets and alleyways of Liverpool; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryThe relevant provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 have not yet been implemented. The corresponding powers under section 97 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 are far-reaching and it is considered that they should be used only in the most serious circumstances. It has not yet been deemed necessary to use them in respect of waste collection and disposal and I am not persuaded that it would be appropriate to employ them to deal with the current situation in Liverpool.