HC Deb 06 June 1939 vol 348 cc198-9
29. Sir Henry Morris-Jones

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether any progress has been made in connection with the establishment of a national forest park in North Wales?

Colonel Sir George Courthope (Forestry Commissioner)

Two camps, fully equipped as regards water supply and sanitation, will be opened this season. One camp is near Beddgelert and the other is in the Llugwy Valley, near Bettws-y-Coed. Both camps will be suitable for either caravans or light camping, and that at Beddgelert will be provided with a special building for shelter and recreation. The Commissioners have also been in touch with the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides Associations, and it is expected that each of these organisations will open a camp in the area this year.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

While thanking my right hon. and gallant Friend for his answer I would like to ask whether the Commissioners propose to extend these camps to other counties, and particularly to Denbigh where they have very suitable sites?

Sir G. Courthope

I cannot give any definite assurance with regard to any particular county but it is the policy of the Commissioners, as our forests develop and become suitable, to extend the national forest parks not only by extending existing ones but by creating new ones.

Mr. Ede

Would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider applications from reputable juvenile organisations other than boy scouts and girl guides?

Sir G. Courthope

Oh, certainly.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a youth organisation in Wales which held its national festival in my constituency last week, and which is far more representative of the youth of Wales than those he referred to; and will he consult them?

Sir G. Courthope

I believe that they are already in communication with me.