§ 3. Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is taking to improve car parking facilities in the Snowdon National Park and particularly in the Llanberis Pass.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Harold Finch)Under the provisions of the National Parks Act, 1949, 11 car parks and five lay-bys have been constructed in the Snowdonia Park and two more car parks are expected to be built in the next few months. Proposals for two further car parks and a picnic site in the Llanberis Pass are at present held up because of difficulties in acquiring land, but schemes for four lay-bys are expected to proceed in the next 12 months.
§ Mr. GoodhartWill the hon. Member do everything he can to expedite these schemes? The Llanberis Pass is one of the best starting points for climbs up 1532 Snowdon, and at the moment the parking arrangements there are totally inadequate.
§ Mr. FinchI appreciate what the hon. Member has said. We shall do all in our power. I would point out that in the first place, at least, the acquisition of land is a matter for the local planning authority and the owners of the land. The Welsh Office becomes involved when it is a question of compulsory purchase. But we will make inquiries and try to speed it up.