asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why he continues to confirm smoke control orders under the Clean Air Act 1956 when there is evidence of shortage of smokeless fuel.

Before confirming a smoke control order my right hon. Friend requires an assurance from the local authority that it is satisfied, after consultation with the fuel producers and suppliers, that supplies of smokeless fuels will, by the time the order comes into operation, be sufficient to meet the demand in the area covered by the order.Confirmation has not recently had to be withheld on the grounds that this assurance has been lacking.