The environmental quality bill - the role of the public in the anti-pollution effort

Abstract

Let me first say that I unequivocally support the Bill. I understand its purposes - that it is an overall enabling Act to check pollution. In enacting the Bill, the Government recognises that the social costs have to be met, and will certainly be greater in the long run if our land, sea and skies are allowed to be turned into public sewers. My remarks therefore extend beyond this Bill and I would hope, will find in several dimensions missing up to now. I think it is laudable that the initiative for the present anti-pollution efforts comes from the government. A lot can be said about the need for this initiative, but it should not stop there, with government arrogating to itself all the ways and means of checking pollution with the government doing all the monitoring, licensing and punishing of those likely to contribute to pollution.