HC Deb 29 March 1960 vol 620 cc1123-5
35. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs why he refused to use his powers under Section 77 of the National Parks Act to compul-sorily acquire Dendles Moor in the Dartmoor National Park for the enjoyment of the public and the prevention of afforestation, against which he received many protests.

Mr. H. Brooke

I have no powers to acquire land compulsorily in a National Park for preventing afforestation. I have such powers for securing public access, but in the case in question a right of way is being offered by the owners of the land, so I did not consider that compulsory acquisition on that ground was justified.

Mr. Hayman

Did the Minister see the photograph in The Times of 14th March showing a prairie buster at work savaging this beautiful open moor? Will he take powers to prevent the afforestation in large measure of the National Parks?

Mr. Brooke

I certainly saw that photograph. I will not make any comment on the hon. Gentleman's description of it. This is a difficult position. I understand that the owners voluntarily consulted the local planning authority about their proposals, which are outside planning control, and that in the course of those discussions a number of concessions were offered towards amenity, but I believe that those who care for the beauty of Dartmoor are not satisfied that those concessions go far enough.

36. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action he proposes to take on the application from a forestry syndicate to plough for afforestation 160 acres of Highhouse Moor in the Dartmoor National Park.

Mr. H. Brooke

No such application is before me, since afforestation is not subject to planning control.

Mr. Hayman

Will the Minister make further inquiries whether an application for ploughing Highhouse Moor is likely to be made next season by syndicates of wealthy people who can carry out this work because of the Surtax concessions they receive and thus deprive the public of the beauty of this National Park? If necessary, will he seek further powers by legislation?

Mr. Brooke

I am in touch with the National Parks Commission on this whole problem. I do not think that there is any question of an application being made to me, because, as I have said, afforestation is not under planning control.

Sir H. Studholme

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, while many of us would like to see these places remain in the pristine state that we have always known them, there is a great deal to be said in favour of more afforestation in this country? Is not it unfair to suggest that forestry syndicates of this kind are necessarily anti-social and insensitive to amenities? Is my right hon. Friend aware that this syndicate has said that seven and a half acres of these woodlands can remain in their original state as a nature preserve?

Mr.Brooke

My hon. Friend knows that I have been keeping in touch with this as closely as I can. I propose to have discussions with the Forestry Commission, the National Parks Commission, and others concerned about whether large-scale afforestation on these open moorlands seems likely to develop, and whether we have to look at this as a national problem. At present I must proceed under the law as it stands, and I am glad that the people who are doing this afforestation have gone some way towards meeting the criticisms that have been levelled against their activities.

Mr. Hajman

Because of the Minister's unsatisfactory replies, I beg to give notice that I will raise these matters on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.