HC Deb 28 October 1947 vol 443 cc687-8
39. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what steps he is taking to safeguard the rural amenities of Cannock Chase and the right of public access thereto, in view of the land now requisitioned by the Service Departments and the proposals that more land shall be requisitioned in the future.

Mr. King

The requirements of the Service Departments and of the Ministry of Supply in the Cannock Chase area are at present under consideration by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Services Land Requirements, together with the objections which have been made to the proposals individually and as a whole. The committee in making their recommendations to my right hon. Friend will give careful attention to the preservation of rural amenities and the safeguarding of the rights of public access.

Mr. Swingler

Is the Minister aware that three Government Departments are now taking this land, with the result that public access will be denied over a considerable area which was previously open? Is it not a fact that this area was scheduled as a future national park?

Mr. King

It was not scheduled as a future national park but as a wild life conservation area. I am aware of this case, and we have set up the appropriate machinery in connection with it.

Mr. H. D. Hughes

Is the Minister aware that this is one of the areas which is less well served by adjacent open spaces? Is he also aware that on the last occasion that I was there, a danger flag was flying over the area although there were no military training operations going on? Will my hon. Friend see that the Service Departments allow the maximum access by the public, particularly at week-ends?

Mr. King

Yes, Sir, I am aware of some of the facts referred to by my hon. Friends. I am concerned about the future condition of this area.