Vol. 560 No. 3
143 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will consider the feasibility of designating sites for election-referenda postering in view of the serious litter problem with poster ties not being removed and the serious accumulation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2300/03]
It is the duty of political parties and others involved in elections and referenda to comply with litter legislation, and primary responsibility for enforcement of that legislation lies with local authorities.
Last year, my Department wrote to all local authorities and political parties, drawing their attention to the provisions in the Litter Pollution Act 1997 on the exhibition and distribution of election-referendum advertising materials, including the need to remove all posters and poster ties within seven days of the polling date. Local authorities were also requested to explore with the political parties the possibility of having appropriate arrangements put in place at local level to remove election poster ties and thus eradicate this particular litter problem. In the circumstances, I have no proposals along the lines referred to in the question.
