§ 62. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increasing danger of the spoliation or destruction of places of natural beauty in Great Britain, particularly arising from the incidence of rearmament and similar activities, he will consult with appropriate organisations, both of a voluntary and municipal chracter, with a view to the making of a national survey of such places and the operation of swifter and more effective safeguards?
§ Mr. ElliotI do not consider that a national survey for the purposes suggested by the hon. Member would be of real use in present circumstances. The whole question of the preservation of the countryside has recently been under consideration by the Town and Country Planning Advisory Committee. In accordance with their advice I am taking measures to secure that fuller use is made of the existing powers of control.
§ Mr. SorensenIf a schedule of places were drawn up would not further data be likely to accrue?
§ Mr. ElliotThe first essential is to make sure that the powers which do exist are intelligently used.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the Minister act on the powers which he has in order to preserve these places?
§ Mr. ElliotI do not want to add to the powers until I am sure that the powers which already exist are being used.
§ Mr. ElliotIntelligent public opinion must determine how Acts passed by this House are operated
Mr. AclandIs not the only way to prevent people from spoiling these places to pay the owner of them as much as he would get by spoiling them?
§ Mr. ElliotThere are planning schemes which will eventually achieve that object.