§ 17. Mr. C. Johnsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware that amending legislation, on the lines proposed by the National Parks Commission and other interested bodies, is necessary to deal with the defects that experience has revealed in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949; and whether he will introduce such legislation.
§ Mr. CorfieldMy right hon. Friend recognises the need for amendment of the 1949 Act. Discussions with the National Parks Commission on detailed proposals are in fact well advanced. He cannot yet say when it will be possible to introduce legislation, but hopes that it will not be too long delayed.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs not that reply most unsatisfactory in view of the fact that it was several years ago that the Minister's predecessor invited the Commission to formulate amendments to the Act and that the changes and improvements for which it asked have been embodied in every Annual Report submitted to Parliament since then? In view of those circumstances, and the fact that the legislation would be uncontroversial and would be warmly supported in all quarters of the House, would the hon. Gentleman see whether his right hon. Friend could find time to get this into the programme for this Session?
§ Mr. CorfieldThis matter is not merely a question of implementing the Commission s proposals, although they are important. Many other matters have come up, and many other people are to be consulted. These consultations are going well, but they are not complete and it would be premature for me to make an announcement of the type for which the hon. Member asks.