§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will review Northern Ireland planning legislation to ensure that the powers available to him regarding the unauthorised dumping of wrecked or abandoned vehicles are(a) as strong as those in Great Britain and (b) sufficient to protect the environment properly. [37248]
§ Mr. MossDistrict councils in Northern Ireland have the power to remove or dispose of abandoned vehicles and to initiate proceedings under the Pollution Control and Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978. This legislation is broadly similar to that obtaining in Great Britain. Planning legislation would not be an appropriate code to deal with abandoned vehicles.