HC Deb 05 June 1934 vol 290 cc751-3
43. Mr. RANKIN

asked the Minister of Health when the report of the public inquiry in regard to the preservation of the beauties of Cannock Chase, arising out of its threatened industrialisation, may be expected?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)

I presume that my hon. Friend refers to the inquiry held on the 25th April last into the application of the South Staffordshire and North Worcester- shire Joint Town Planning Committee for an Order providing for the representation on that committee of the rural district council of Stafford in which part of Cannock Chase is situated. The report upon the inquiry has been received, and my right hon. Friend has already informed the authorities that he has decided to comply with the application.

44. Mr. LOUIS SMITH

asked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that local authorities are town-planning with sufficient energy to ensure the protection of natural beauties; and if he is convinced that the maximum effort in this direction is being done in Derbyshire?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

The specific town planning power to which my hon. Friend refers has been available for just over twelve months. Progress is being made in the use of this power, both generally and in the county to which he particularly refers, and, although it may be hoped that the use made of the powers to protect natural beauties will increase with increasing knowledge and resources, there is no reason to be dissatisfied with the start that has been made.

Mr. SMITH

Is my hon. Friend aware that already most unsuitable buildings have been erected in this area, and, having regard to the great natural beauties of Derbyshire, will he cause further inquiry to be made?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

If my hon. Friend will bring any facts to my notice, I will gladly inquire into them.

Mr. MICHAEL BEAUMONT

Is it not a fact that the use of these powers tends to increase rather than to decrease the destruction of natural beauty?

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Will the Ministry give every help to the local authorities to preserve these beauty spots?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

Certainly, the answer is obvious. The Section was inserted in the Act for that purpose.

Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSON

Is my hon. Friend content with pious hopes or will he take definite steps to induce local authorities to avail themselves of their powers?

Viscountess ASTOR

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that town-planning is about 15 years too late, and that it would have been done but for a reactionary Member of the last Coalition Government, Dr. Addison, who has now joined the Labour party? If we do not look out he will be back again.