HC Deb 17 June 1952 vol 502 cc983-4
31. Mr. P. Roberts

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will now make a statement about the route of the Pennine Way footpath in the neighbourhood of Kinder-scout.

34. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he has reached a decision regarding the route of the Pennine Way following the public inquiry held some months ago.

40. Mr. Dalton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he has yet reached any conclusion, following the further inquiry at Chapel-en-le-Frith on 21st March, on the suggestion to vary the route of the Pennine Way over Kinderscout, as designated by his predecessor.

Mr. H. Macmillan

Yes, Sir. I am inviting the National Parks Commission to submit to me a proposal for the additional path around the edge of Kinderscout, which they put forward at the inquiry.

Mr. Roberts

Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that he will not be influenced by any statements made outside the public inquiry by the right hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Dalton)?

Mr. Dalton

Is the Minister aware that a great deal of nonsense has been talked about the alleged danger on Kinderscout, that in company with some of my hon. Friends I spent Whitsun there, and that we formed the view that it was less dangerous to walk across Kinderscout than to walk across Whitehall?

Mr. Macmillan

I have no doubt that my Parliamentary Secretary and the right hon. Gentleman will take the high road, but I shall take the low road.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Are we to understand that it is proposed that there shall be an alternative route, in addition to the one across Kinderscout?

Mr. Macmillan

indicated assent.

Mr. P. Roberts

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the rather flambuoyant intervention of the right hon. Member for Bishop Auckland has been resented by the more serious-minded people on both sides of the House who are awaiting the result of the public inquiry?

39. Mr. Dalton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what consultations he has had with the Peak Planning Board for the making of an access order to the whole plateau of Kinderscout.

Mr. H. Macmillan

None, Sir. If the Board need to be stimulated in this matter—which I have no reason to suppose—it is for the National Parks Commission to do it.

Mr. Dalton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that more than half the population of England lives within 50 miles of this point, and that it is most desirable that the inhabitants of all those industrial centres, particularly younger people, should have free access throughout the year, without interference by gamekeepers?

Mr. Macmillan

Having inherited this particular structure of administration, I think it would be very wrong of me to go behind the National Parks Commission and to attempt to direct one of the authorities which are under its control.

Mr. Dalton

Will the right hon. Gentleman mention it to the Commission next time he meets them?

Mr. Macmillan

indicated assent.