Vice-Admiral Sir REGINALD HALL(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether his attention has been called to the proposed sale for building purposes of the Seven Sisters, and whether any steps can be taken to secure tins beauty spot for the nation?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Captain Hacking)My right hon. Friend the First 136 Commissioner of Works much regrets that this particular site should have been chosen for building purposes. Unfortunately, he has no power to intervene.
§ Captain HACKINGSo far as the Office of Works is concerned, there are no funds available. If my hon. and gallant Friend cares to address a question to the Treasury, no doubt he will receive an answer on the point.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALDAlthough the Office of Works may have no power, has the Office of Works used all its influence to indicate to those who are in possession of this land, what undoubtedly is the almost universal desire of those who know the South of England, that this area should be preserved?
§ Captain HACKINGI hope that the wording of my answer, which was very carefully prepared, will have the effect of showing the undesirability of using this land for building purposes. As far as the details of the barrows are concerned, we are doing all we can to schedule those when they are brought to one notice. We have no other powers.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that there is a very beautiful path along the cliffs, and a very old-established right of war in front of the area proposed to be desecrated? Cannot the Home Office hold up matters by exercising their rights, in the interest of the public, until some further steps can he taken to preserve this beauty spot?
§ Captain HACKINGWe have no powers in connection with an area like that. We have only powers in regard to ancient monuments or barrows.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLIf any of the adjacent towns regard this site as of value to them, is it not possible for them to approach the Minister of Health for power to acquire the property?
§ Captain HACKINGI understand that this matter is very urgent. I believe the land has to be purchased by to-morrow, and the only thing I can suggest is that 137 some influential member of the public might come forward with financial assistance.
§ Sir J. NALLIs it not a fact that, when any property of this kind adjacent to an industrial town has to be acquired, it is usual for the industrial town to do so? Is there any reason why a wealthy seaside resort should not follow the same course as an industrial town?
§ Captain HACKINGThe hon. and gallant Member who put the original question represents a seaside resort. Perhaps he will use his influence with the local authority.
Lieut. - Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLMay I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any sympathetic consideration and assistance will be given by the Treasury with regard to an endeavour to save this important site?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Churchill)In view of the very strong and sympathetic feeling which has been expressed on all sides of the House, this seems a very suitable subject for a public subscription and a national effort.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs not this of such national importance as to demand an immediate application of the Emergency Regulations?
Sir R. HALL(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the proposed building scheme on the Seven Sisters, and whether he will exercise powers to secure that the site is adequately provided with water and drains?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Major Elliot)I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend's attention has not been called to this matter. I would, however, refer to Section 23 of the Public Health Act, 1875, and to Section 6 of the Public Health (Water) Act, 1878, from which my hon. and gallant Friend will see that specific powers are conferred on the local authority to enforce the drainage of houses, and to prevent houses being occupied unless and until they have been provided with a sufficient supply of water.
Sir R. HALLIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that this is chalk soil, and that the proposal is that these houses should not have drains but septic tanks, and that the result would be that the whole of the water for drinking purposes would in time, become assoiled? That has happened in other places. If I provide my hon. and gallant Friend with a copy of the plans which I have seen, will he take action?
§ Major ELLIOTThis seems a suitable occasion to bring the matter to the notice of the local authority. If my hon. and gallant Friend will provide me with the information which he has volunteered, I will see that it is forwarded to the Minister.