§ 34. Mr. MANDERasked the Minister of Health the present position with regard to the preservation of Cannock Chase as a national park, and to what extent the matter is being dealt with by the local auhorities interested as part of a joint planning scheme?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREMy right hon. Friend understands that the South Staffordshire and North Worcestershire Joint Town Planning Committee are considering the question of the preservation of Cannock Chase and have approached the local authorities who are not constituent members and whose districts include any part of Cannock Chase. It appears that four local authorities are concerned, of whom two are already members of the joint committee, and a third has, it is understood, agreed to become a member. According to my right hon. Friend's present information, the fourth, the Stafford Rural District Council, has not yet agreed to join the committee.
§ Mr. MANDERAre any steps being taken to encourage the Stafford Rural Council to become a member?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThere are powers under the Town Planning Act, but we hope that a settlement will be arrived at.