HC Deb 14 May 1957 vol 570 cc210-1
38. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the percentage decline in the number of municipal houses under construction in the last two years to the latest date for which figures are available for England and Wales; and the comparable figures for the Borough and Rural District of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Mr. Henry Brooke)

As the Answer involves a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Swingler

It involves only three figures. Why is the Minister reluctant to give those figures? Will not he at least tell the House the national figure of percentage decline, so that it may be on the record for the information of the whole House?

Mr. Brooke

The figure will be on the record. I thought that the hon. Member wished to have the numbers as well as the percentages. Of course, the percentages are misleading if one does not have the numbers. The percentage decline for England and Wales is 13 per cent.

Following is the Answer:

survey by the National Parks Commission in the parishes of Strete and Stoke Fleming in the Rural District of Kings-bridge and the Borough of Dartmouth in respect of the South Devon Path.

Mr. H. Brooke

These areas have been visited from time to time, with other areas in South Devon, by representatives of the National Parks Commission in connection with a possible long-distance route. Such visits are part of the Commission's day to day activities. I cannot state separately the cost involved.

Mr. Mawby

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that any further spending should be concentrated on using the existing rights of way rather than on opening new ones?

Mr. Brooke

The National Parks Commission has no power of itself to create a right of way.

40. Mr. Mawby

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what report he has received from the National Parks Commission under Section 51 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949, in respect of the South Devon Path; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. H. Brooke

The National Parks Commission has not yet submitted such a report, and thus the second part of the Question does not arise.

Mr. Mawby

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that, after three years, owners and occupiers at least ought not to be kept in suspense any longer than is absolutely necessary?

Mr. Brooke

I certainly do not want to keep anybody in suspense, but this is a case of the National Parks Commission carrying out its statutory duties in consulting the local authorities, and the local authorities should be well informed about public feeling in their areas.