HC Deb 30 October 1946 vol 428 cc587-9
13. Mr. Marlowe

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that the donor of that part of the South Downs known as the Seven Sisters and Crowlink conveyed the land to the National Trust on condition that it should be preserved as an open space in perpetuity for the public; and whether, as he is responsible for charitable trusts, he proposes to take any action in view of the fact that part of the land has been enclosed by a tenant of the National Trust.

16. Mr. C. S. Taylor

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that part of the Sussex Downs known as the Seven Sisters and Crowlink, which was purchased by certain persons and handed over to the National Trust to be kept as an open space for the enjoyment of the public for all time, has now been fenced in with the permission of the Trust; and what action, being responsible for charitable trusts, he proposed to take about this matter.

The Solicitor-General (Major Sir Frank Soskice)

The attention of my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General has been called to the matters to which the hon. Gentlemen's Questions relate, and investigations are being made by the Treasury Solicitor on his behalf. The Treasury Solicitor is in communication with the National Trust. I am sorry that I am not yet in a position to indicate what attitude my right hon. and learned Friend will feel he ought to adopt, but I can assure the hon. Gentlemen that the whole matter is under active consideration.

Mr. Marlowe

I am much obliged to the hon. and learned Gentleman for that statement. Will he bear in mind when this matter is investigated that some £10,000 was raised by public subscription for this land to be kept for the public, and as it is now wired, including electric wiring, will he carry out the intention of the gift, which was that it should be kept open?

The Solicitor-General

That certainly will be borne in mind, but the hon. and learned Member will know that these questions depend upon an exact ascertainment of rights and are bound to be matters of considerable complication and to involve a considerable amount of investigation.

Mr. Keeling

Is the Solicitor-General aware that all the land on the cliff is unfenced, that the public have access through gates to all the land that is fenced, and that some of the fencing is necessary to enable land ploughed up during the war to be restored to permanent grass for the benefit of the public?

The Solicitor-General

All the circumstances are being investigated, and we will bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has just referred to.

Mr. Taylor

Can the Solicitor-General say when we may expect some report on this matter?

Mr. Stokes

Next Session.

The Solicitor-General

I think that I can say very shortly, but I cannot be more precise than that.