HC Deb 24 February 1938 vol 332 cc543-5
64. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that there are still 500 local authorities in whose area the Town Planning Act is inoperative, covering two-fifths of the acreage of England and Wales, he will consider the advisability of arranging that local inquiries should be held in all suitable areas where a planning resolution has not been passed, and, in particular, that he should exercise his authority under Section 36 (1) of the Act to ensure that planning schemes are prepared immediately for all areas of outstanding landscape beauty in coastal, moorland, and mountain districts, especially in those areas considered suitable as national parks?

Sir K. Wood

The number of local authorities in whose areas a planning scheme is not either approved or in course of preparation is 330, but the extent of planning control is increasing by an average of 150,000 acres per month. The following areas tentatively suggested by the National Park Committee are already wholly or mainly under planning:

  • Lake District,
  • Pembrokeshire Coast,
  • The Broads,
  • South Downs,
  • Dovedale,
  • Peak District,
  • Forest of Bowland,
  • Cannock Chase,
  • Forest of Dean,
and the Cornish Coast and the Wye Valley are partly under control.

I hope that the Joint Executive Committee which has been formed for Snowdonia will shortly pass a planning resolution. The Northumberland County Council are calling a conference for the county in April to consider the planning of the Scottish Border. In view of this progress, I doubt whether it would be wise to take action on the lines suggested by the hon. Member, but I shall always be willing to investigate any reports he might make regarding a particular area.

Mr. Hannah

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the whole of the Bilston area is planned?

Mr. H. Morrison

Does not the right hon. Gentleman feel that, having regard to the fact that planning legislation was first passed in 1909, it is a scandalous state of affairs that 350 authorities should not move, and does he not recognise that the Ministry has the responsibility of seeing that the law is carried out?

Sir K. Wood

Yes, Sir. I think, however, that considerable progress has been made in the matter. The right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that sometimes the local authorities have difficulties in these matters.

Mr. A. Hopkinson

Is it not a fact that the whole purpose of these Acts is to prevent the country from being ruined by town planners?

Sir K. Wood

So I have heard.