HC Deb 17 November 1959 vol 613 cc955-7
15. Mr. T. W. Jones

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs on what grounds he decided to allow the annexe of the Ty'n-y-Coed Hotel, Capel Curig, to be registered as a club in spite of the objections of all the local authorities concerned; and whether he will now reconsider his decision, in view of the concern expressed by all shades of public opinion.

33. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what representations he has received concerning his planning approval in respect of the Capel Curig Club Scheme; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. H. Brooke

The sole issue which came before me was a planning appeal to decide whether or not planning permission might be given for the conversion of one room in the annexe to a hotel for the purposes of a club. On consideration, it appeared to me that there were no adequate planning reasons for refusing permission, and therefore I allowed the appeal. When an appeal decision has been given the law makes no provision for then altering or withdrawing it, nor in this case would I see any ground for doing so.

I have received a number of protests not from all shades of public opinion but from temperance and religious organisations and their members.

Mr. Jones

Would the Minister tell us whether he has had any support for the decision he has made in spite of the objections?

Mr. Brooke

Certainly a number of people came forward at the appeal and supported it.

Mr. C. Hughes

How many?

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that he could not have taken a decision more completely out of harmony with the feeling of the Welsh people? Is he aware that he has the united hostility of the Welsh people to this decision which is regarded as his back-door way of beginning Sunday opening in Wales?

Mr. Brooke

No. I do not accept that for one moment. The hon. Member wishes me to have decided this planning appeal on Sabbatarian or moral grounds, but as the Minister responsible for planning I must decide planning appeals impartially on planning grounds, and that is what I did.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. We cannot debate this now.

Mr. Thomas

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply and the very deep feeling in the Principality, I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.