§ 2. Sir ROBERT THOMASasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the rapid urbanisation of the rural districts, he is prepared to introduce legislation dealing comprehensively with the whole question of the disfigurement of the countryside, and especially of beauty spots and holiday resorts, by advertisements, industrial plants and other objects?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir. His Majesty's Government are always willing to consider any practicable suggestions that may be put forward for protecting the natural beauties of the country, but I am unable to conceive how it would be possible in a single Measure to deal with a subject of such complexity and involving so many different interests. I may remind the hon. Member that extensive powers have during the life of this present Parliament been conferred on local authorities to protect their districts against disfiguring advertisements, and that in town planning schemes for land about to be developed For building purposes provision may be made for securing the amenities of the area.
§ 13. Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the steady encroachment of urban conditions upon the countryside, consequent upon the easy access afforded by motor transport, 2285 he has considered the desirability of setting apart certain districts as national parks for the purposes of health and holiday-making, with restrictions upon the erection of houses and industrial buildings?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Chamberlain)Measures are not contemplated in this direction. Action on the lines suggested by the hon. Member would involve considerable expenditure, and I do not think the time has come for it. He will appreciate that much can be done by local authorities under town or regional planning schemes.