§ 62. Mr. MacLarenasked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take to save the coastline from disfigurement by bungalow development and to prohibit sales of foreshore to speculators?
§ Sir K. WoodLocal authorities have power under the Planning Act to control development along the sea coast, but if the hon. Member will inform me of any particular area which he has in mind I will look into the position.
§ Mr. MacLarenI will forward to my right hon. Friend the information that I have. Arising out of his reply, may I say that I hope the Minister will take action, as this matter amounts to a public scandal?
Miss RathboneWill the Minister issue some report showing which local authorities, or what proportion of local authorities, are making use of their powers in this respect?
§ Sir K. WoodI believe that information is in the annual report of the Ministry, but I will take note of the hon. Lady's question.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of making inquiry into the working of the Planning Act, which is almost universally inoperative?
§ Sir K. WoodI cannot assent to that suggestion for a moment. A great deal has been done under the Act, and I think due credit ought to be given to those authorities, especially the joint authorities, which have done such good work. I should like to see more work done, but I do not think it is fair to suggest that a good deal has not already been done.
§ Sir P. HarrisWill the right hon. Gentleman put more driving force into this Act, and use some of his publicity gifts?
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsDoes the foreshore which is under the sea for 12 hours out of the 24, come under town planning?
§ Sir K. WoodI will examine that very carefully.