§ Q6. Mr. Haymanasked the Prime Minister what machinery exists for consultation between the Minister of Housing and Local Government and the Service Departments in regard to seeking military training facilities over areas inside the National Parks, or places designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty.
§ The Prime MinisterThe machinery for dealing with proposals by Service Departments for military training facilities is set out in the Ministry of Housing and Local Government's Circular No. 100, dated 7th December, 1950, and Circular No. 11/54, copies of which are being sent to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HaymanWill the Prime Minister bear in mind that it seems that there is no liaison between the Service Departments and the Minister of Housing and Local Government in regard to land of the kind mentioned in my Question? Is he aware that the Admiralty is seeking special facilities in the Lands End 725 peninsula which is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty when the St. Eval aerodrome further east along the north coast of Cornwall is available all the time?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that there is complete liaison. Under the system which started in 1950 and which has continued since, the procedure is this. The Department must consult the local planning authority, which is responsible for consulting all other interests likely to be affected, including, of course, in the case of National Parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty, the National Parks Commission. If there is a disagreement between the Department and the local authority, the matter is then referred to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government who consults further with the parties concerned with a view to agreement and, ultimately, a decision.
§ Mr. G. R. HowardThe area involved here, which is in my constituency, is somewhat different from the area of the St. Eval airfield. Is it not a fact that, when the Admiralty made these representations, it had, so far as can be ascertained, agreement to the proposal, and it has been only since these agreements were reached that further factors have emerged which have made the situation what it is today?
§ The Prime MinisterAs the Question is in general terms and mentions no particular place, I am not fully informed as to either what the hon. Gentleman opposite has in mind or the matter to which my hon. Friend is referring. I am quite sure that the procedure was followed exactly as it has been laid down all these years.