HC Deb 01 August 1961 vol 645 cc1120-1
9. Mr. C. Johnson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether, in view of the growing need for amendment of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949, he will introduce the necessary legislation at an early date on the basis of the recommendations submitted by the National Parks Commission.

Mr. Brooke

I have just received revised proposals from the National Parks Commission, and I am studying these, together with all the suggestions which I have received from other quarters. I am not in a position at present to make any further statement.

Mr. Johnson

Arising out of that reply, may I ask whether the Minister can hold out any hope that the amending Measure will find its place in the next Parliamentary programme, particularly as it was announced on his behalf more than a year ago at a National Parks conference in the North that there was then a chance of finding a reasonably early place for it?

Mr. Brooke

At a National Parks conference the other day I said that I hoped that it would fall to me to bring in an amending Bill but that I could not be certain in which Session that would be.

Mr. Chetwynd

Is the Minister aware that much of the good work of the National Parks Commission has been frustrated by its lack of financial powers? Will he pay particular regard to that in any amendment which he is considering?

Mr. Brooke

No. I am sure that it would be possible for the park planning committees to do considerably more within their existing legislation and within their existing grant schemes.