§ 50. Mr. Woodburn (Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire)asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider a survey of beauty spots in Scotland, with a view to legislation to prevent spoliation or destruction of natural assets which could not be re-created.
§ Mr. MaclayLocal planning authorities already have comprehensive powers of control, but I am examining with the local authority associations what more can be done through specific safeguarding provisions in development plans and otherwise. I am also considering ways and means of encouraging voluntary effort for the maintenance of amenity generally.
§ Mr. WoodburnAs we already have an organisation for preserving historical monuments, and as one of the arguments for investigating the hydro-electric scheme is that it has been accused of destroying beauty spots, would it not be wise to have some authority that could authorise the retention and preservation of beauty spots, which, once destroyed, can never be replaced?
§ Mr. MaclayI agree that it is desirable to explore with the local authorities, on the lines I have described in my answer, whether we can make more progress in defining areas of particular beauty and "interest, and whether there is need for any additional body to adjudicate in these matters, but I gravely doubt whether the moment for setting-up such a body is now. My mind is not closed on this matter, however.
§ Mr. WoodburnAt the moment we make a list of historical monuments that should not be destroyed. Would it not be possible to begin by having an official list of beauty spots which must be preserved or about which the Secretary of State must be consulted before they are destroyed?
§ Mr. MaclayI feel that we should explore the possibility of doing this through the ordinary device of the development plan before we consider any further measures.