asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many further smoke control areas in Scotland have now been confirmed; and where they are situated.

Three Smoke Control Area Orders under the Clean Air Act, 1956, have been confirmed for areas in Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow. Preliminary proposals for four more smoke control areas have been approved in principle, and other proposals are known to be under consideration by local authorities.

Since there is only one scheme actually in operation and the reply to this Question is not entirely satisfactory, can the hon. Gentleman take the initiative in stimulating other local authorities into taking action to bring about the beneficial effects of smoke control?

I agree with the hon. Member. After consultation with the Clean Air Council for Scotland, I am about to write to local authorities in the central belt of Scotland urging them to make more use of their power.

Will my hon. Friend make special efforts to ensure that areas which will accept new industries from Glasgow, and Glasgow overspill, have smoke control areas approved before those new industries are brought in so that we may thus prevent new pollution of the atmosphere?

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. That is a point on which I have already taken some action.