HC Deb 01 August 1961 vol 645 cc1130-1
29. Mr. Woodnutt

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if the National Parks Commission has yet decided to designate part of the Hampshire coast, part of the Isle of Wight coast, and the tidal waters in between as areas of outstanding beauty or as a national park.

Sir K. Joseph

I understand that the National Parks Commission will shortly open formal consultation with the local authorities concerned, with a view to designating two areas of outstanding natural beauty. These will include part of the Hampshire coast and part of the Isle of Wight coast, but not the tidal waters in between.

Mr. Woodnutt

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, can he give an indication of when this decision will be made, bearing in mind the fact that our noble Friend said some months ago in the House of Lords that it was being considered? Can my hon. Friend also say why it cannot apply to tidal waters?

Sir K. Joseph

To apply it to tidal waters would involve new legislation. Of course, the beauty of the sea cannot be enhanced and does not need to be protected. The procedure leading to designation is a lengthy one and the consultations are going on.

Mr. Woodnutt

But can my hon. Friend say if the Act specifically excludes tidal waters, and would he not agree that it is possible to spoil them if, for example, someone wished to put a bridge across them?

Mr. Callaghan

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware of the Act passed by his own Government to prevent the pollution of the sea by oil? Does he not know that the Solent has been ruined for months at a time and that it is ridiculous to say that tidal waters do not need protecting?

Sir K. Joseph

I was speaking, obviously, in the sense that land may need to be protected from undesirable development on it.