§ 39. Sir R. THOMASasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in view of the ever-increasing disfigurement of the countryside by industry and transport 1265 and of the aesthetic and economic value of beauty spots, whether he will, in default of comprehensive legislation to deal with this problem, consider making an annual grant to the National Trust for the purchase of areas which are most immediately menaced?
Mr. SAMUELI sympathise warmly with the aims of the National Trust. I hope it will obtain increasing support from the public, who have so much to gain from its activities. But the Trust is only one of many societies that are working in various ways for the welfare of the community. I fear, therefore, that I cannot single out one particular society for exceptional treatment by giving it a grant from public funds.