Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 December 2004. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Monday, 20 December 2004 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will make a statement on the level of signage in the countryside; if he will issue new guidelines to local authorities on (a) how to seek early removal of such signs and (b) the bringing of prosecutions; and if he will bring forward legislative proposals, in conjunction with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to expedite such processes.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the level of signage in the countryside; if he will issue new guidelines to local authorities on (a) how to seek early removal of such signs and (b) the bringing of prosecutions; and if he will bring forward legislative proposals, in conjunction with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to expedite such processes. [205507] Keith Hill: Signage is controlled by local planning authorities under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992 and local authorities are already provided with guidance. Next year the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister intends to make new Regulations to consolidate and update the 1992 Regulations. There will be new guidance in an accompanying Circular. We intend to introduce further measures to combat fly- posting in the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill.

Secondary information