HC Deb 28 June 1965 vol 715 cc11-2
19. Mr. Ioan L. Evans

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources if he has considered the memorandum on National Land Use and the Dartmoor National Park submitted by the Standing Committee on National Parks of the Council for the Preservation of Rural England; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Willey

The memorandum which was submitted on 19th June has been acknowledged and is receiving consideration by my right hon. Friends and myself.

Mr. Evans

Is my right hon. Friend aware that arguments in the memorandum for the removal of damaging military training from Dartmoor are most convincing? Is it accepted that National Park amenity considerations will have priority in future?

Mr. Willey

I am sure that my hon. Friend will not expect me to comment on a document which I have just received, but we will consider it expeditiously and make a statement.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

Will the Minister give an assurance that proposals will not be accepted which will preserve rural England at the expense of rural Scotland? Although the right hon. Gentleman has no responsibility for Scotland, will he give an undertaking that before any of these movements are transferred to the Highlands he will consult the Secretary of State for Scotland?

Mr. Willey

I can assure the hon. Member that there will be full consultations and that all factors affecting this question will be considered.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will my right hon. Friend consider the points made in this memorandum when he considers amending the National Parks Act?

Mr. Willey

Yes, Sir, certainly.

Mr. Peter Mills

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that what is needed is a happy balance and that the military are very profitable to some of our smaller towns around Dartmoor? Will he maintain a happy balance between the National Parks, the military and the small farmers?

Mr. Willey

I assure the hon. Member that I am a happy balancer.

Mr. Rankin

Will my right hon. Friend say that he will try to do a little more to rehabilitate Dartmoor National Park than the party opposite did during the 13 years it was in power?