HC Deb 05 June 1947 vol 438 cc368-9
23. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new wireless communications for the police or the fire service are proposed; to what extent the erection of buildings and tall masts on high ground throughout the country will be necessary; and what steps he is taking to protect the landscape and other amenities.,

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

Although the wireless schemes at present contemplated will entail the provision by the local police authority of two aerial masts, and a small building at each transmitting station, it will, I hope, only be in very rare cases that any difficulty will be experienced in reconciling technical requirements with aesthetic considerations. In any such cases I am sure that the responsible police authority, in consultation with my Department and the planning authority, will take all possible steps to avoid interference with amenities and to meet any reasonable requests by national or local bodies interested therein.

Mr. Keeling

Will the Home Secretary give instructions that amenities' societies are to he consulted?

Mr. Ede

In the answer I have given, I have expressed some views on that subject, and I will see that police authorities have the desirability 'of considering the views of amenities societies brought to their notice.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his duty to protect the public from crime is paramount, and that it will have the support of all right-minded citizens?

Mr. Ede

One of the crimes that I am particularly anxious to prevent is the desecration of beauty spots.