§ 2. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources if he is aware of proposals for large-scale afforestation at the head of Langstrothdale and on the slopes of Ingleborough and Whernside in the Yorkshire Dales National Park; and what consultations have taken place with the Park Planning Authority as envisaged by the agreement reached by interested parties in 1961.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Land and Natural Resources (Mr. Arthur Skeffington)My right hon. Friend is aware of these proposals. The Park Planning Authority is being consulted in accordance with the agreement to which my hon. Friend refers, and the consultations are still in progress.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWhile welcoming that statement, may I ask whether my hon. 2 Friend does not agree that such extensive proposals may very well alter the whole character of the national park unless action is taken?
§ Mr. SkeffingtonI quite agree with my hon. Friend. The amenity and beauty aspects here are very much present in our minds, and we shall deal with them as well as we can.
§ Mr. CorfieldAs the right hon. Gentleman is equally responsible for both the National Parks Commission and the Forestry Commission, what arrangements has he for settling disputes when they arise between the two? Has he any proposals for setting up a public inquiry?
§ Mr. SkeffingtonThere are, of course, discussions between both bodies. In the unlikely event of a dispute, my right hon. Friend will decide, but in view of the policy guidance which we are giving to both, we do not anticipate such difficulties.