§ 1. Mr. Carol Johnsonasked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources if he will introduce legislation amending the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949.
§ The Minister of Land and Natural Resources (Mr. Frederick Willey)I am studying the proposals that have been put forward for legislation to amend the Act, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. JohnsonAs the need for amendment is now generally recognised and the Commission has been pressing for the past eight years for amendment, will my right hon. Friend do his best to expedite the legislation? In that connection, will he have regard to the fact that the lack of adequate financial resources for the Commission is one of the things which is preventing the full development of the parks? Will he consider using the National Land Fund, as was originally intended, towards that end?
§ Mr. WilleyI can assure my hon. Friend that this matter has my most active and sympathetic attention. I am considering the proposals which have been made by the Parks Commission and other proposals by other bodies, and I will certainly consider any proposals which my hon. Friend makes.
§ Mr. SharplesWill the Minister give particular consideration in any legislation which he intends to introduce to the needs of coastal waters?
§ Mr. WilleyI assure the hon. Member that I am well aware of the importance of coastal waters.