HC Deb 25 July 1961 vol 645 cc195-6
15. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will hold a public inquiry into the application of English Clays Ltd for permission to obliterate the ancient Stone Row at Cholwichtown, in the Dartmoor National Park.

Sir K. Joseph

No, Sir. The hon. Member for Tavistock (Sir H. Studholme) has already been in touch with me on the same subject. My right hon. Friend gave his decision on this matter on 9th May.

Mr. Hayman

Can the Minister say whether he will reconsider his decision because, after all, Dartmoor is a National Park and is something of a right to the nation? This is a wealthy company which could very well site the spoil heap elsewhere. Surely an ancient monument of this kind should be respected.

Sir K. Joseph

My right hon. Friend cannot reconsider his decision now it is taken. The National Parks Commission was consulted before the decision was taken.