§ 11. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs why the long-distance paths along the Northumberland and Yorkshire coasts are not yet completed.
§ Mr. RipponThe power to formulate proposals for long-distance routes is vested in the National Parks Commission. The Commission has not yet submitted for approval proposals for the creation of these two routes, but I understand that it hopes to do so for the Yorkshire coast path before long.
§ Mr. BoydenI am thankful for small mercies, but does not the hon. Gentleman agree with what is said in the Twelfth Report of the National Parks Commission, that in general there is inordinate delay in the designation of these paths? Why does not he take powers under Sections 27 and 28 of the relevant Act to give power to county councils to do these things, which could accelerate the whole business very much?
§ Mr. RipponWe are not dealing with the designation of parks but the designation of routes. It is a matter for the Parks Commission. The business is 186 somewhat protracted, but the Commission is making good progress in regard to the Yorkshire coast path.