HC Deb 28 April 1959 vol 604 cc1077-8
13. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the discussions between his Department, the National Parks Commission, and the Forestry Commission, about the proposal to clear-fell Buckland Woods in the Dartmoor National Park.

Mr. Bevins

A meeting on the site, attended by representatives of the owner, the National Parks Commission, the Dartmoor National Park Committee and the Forestry Commission, was held on 1st April, and my right hon. Friend expects to receive the considered views of the National Parks Commission very soon.

Mr. Hayman

Will the Parliamentary Secretary ask his right hon. Friend to take into account the possibility of entrusting the care of these beautiful woods to the Forestry Commission with a special directive to look after the amenity side of them?

Mr. Bevins

I think that we should first wait for the views of the National Parks Commission.

Mr. Mawby

In view of the number of Questions asked by the hon. Gentleman, may I say that my constituents certainly applaud the fact that even a Cornish Member prefers the Devon scene? Would he point out to the hon. Member that such progress has been made on this issue that in fact a compromise has been reached between the bodies concerned, the National Park Committee, the owners of the woodland—

Hon. Members

Speech.

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member should put his question and should be allowed to put his question.

Mr. Mawby

Is my hon. Friend aware that all the bodies concerned, the owners. the Forestry Commission and the National Park Committee, reached a compromise agreement so that the county council was prepared to withdraw its preservation order in favour of a dedication covenant?

Mr. Bevins

My hon. Friend is perfectly right in his estimation of the position to date, and I do not think that I need point out anything further in reply to the hon. Gentleman who asked the original Question. It is a fact that at the moment we are awaiting the Report of the National Parks Commission.