HC Deb 10 February 1948 vol 447 cc209-10
42. Mr. Eric Fletcher

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what steps he is proposing to take to give effect to the recommendations of the National Parks Committee.

The Minister of Town and Country Planning (Mr. Silkin)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 28th January to the hon. Member for Bedford (Mr. Skeffington-Lodge), of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

That reply to me was really not a very satisfactory one. I think I heard the Minister just now refer to it. Will he not try to adopt a positive attitude and outlook towards this question and not the negative one which was exemplified in this original answer?

Mr. Silkin

I gave the hon. Member the best reply I could.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

It was a very bad one.

Mr. H. D. Hughes

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the serious concern in the country that the report of this Committee will not be adequately implemented and will he agree to meet the organisations concerned at some future date to allay these suspicions?

Mr. Silkin

Surely, before it can be adequately implemented it has to be adequately considered, and that is what is happening.

Mr. Wilson Harris

Will the right hon. Gentleman at least say whether he is proposing to set up a National Parks Commission and local national parks committees?

Mr. Silkin

That is the very point I am considering.