Sir, - Vera Hughes (letters, December 20th) wonders why the "recent Litter Act" is not dealing with the sad litter situation she witnessed in Moate. There is no "recent Litter Act" but a recent Litter Bill introduced to the Dail on December 17th, and yet to become an Act.
And lucky we are that it is still a Bill, and open to amendment! For in Section 21 of that Bill, a gross infringement of civil and political liberties is authorised. In that section, local authorities are to be given the authority to prohibit or regulate the distribution of advertising material. The wording of the section makes it quite clear that this includes political material, as election and referendum material, and only such material, is excluded.
Any material such as material against a nuclear power station at Carnsore, material of an anti European integration nature material of a "Free the Birmingham Six" nature, etc, etc may therefore be prohibited in the interest of "litter control".
It should be noted that this refers to the proffering of material to a passer by. The placing of material on car windscreens, to the prohibition of which I do not object, is covered in an entirely separate section [Section 19 (2)].
All those who care about fundamental civil and political liberties should demand the amendment of Section 21 of this Bill. I share Vera Hughes's concern on litter; I hope she shares my concern on an even more fundamental matter. - Yours, etc.,
Derry Lodge, Rosscarbery, Co Cork.