§ 38. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement on his decision to allow work to be put in hand in connection with the Ennerdale Lake Water Scheme.
§ Mr. BevanI am satisfied that, subject to certain safeguards, the scheme can be carried out without serious injury to agriculture or to the beauties of the scenery.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeCan the Minister say whether there is any chance of the local authorities employing a landscape architect in this case, in order to safeguard, as far as possible, the amenities of this very beautiful lake?
§ Mr. BevanI am not able, within the limits of a reply to a supplementary question, to inform the House of the safeguards that have been laid down in my decision, but when they are published I think my hon. Friend will find they are adequate.
§ Mr. PeartIs the Minister aware that his decision to approve the Ennerdale scheme will be warmly welcomed by the people of Cumberland, and that that work is more important to the people of Cumberland than the idiosyncracies of the Friends of the Lake District?
§ Mr. BevanI have had to balance the claims of the area for work with what I consider to be legitimate jealousy for the preservation of rural England.