Explanatory note

Section 79 (research and publicity) of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 empowers local authorities to undertake investigation and research relevant to the problem of air pollution and to arrange for the publication of information on that problem. Under section 80 of the Act, a local authority may by notice require the occupier of any premises (except in so far as they consist of a private dwelling) to furnish information concerning the emission of pollutants and other substances into the air from the premises.

These Regulations prescribe the kinds of emissions to which notices under section 80 may relate (regulation 3), the kinds of information which may be required by those notices (regulation 4), and the manner in which such notices are to be sent by post and the evidence which is to be sufficient evidence that such a notice has been given (regulation 5).

Regulation 6 requires each local authority to maintain a register containing information concerning emissions from premises which has been obtained by the authority under section 79(2) of the Act (other than information which, by direction of the Secretary of State, is not to be disclosed) and information concerning certain appeals against notices under section 80.