HC Deb 25 July 1966 vol 732 cc1190-1
17. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources whether he will include on the reconstituted National Parks Commission persons with experience of conservation of the countryside and persons able to speak for walkers, campers and other open air interests.

Mr. Willey

I do not think that the Commission should be composed of spokesmen for various interests, but of persons of wide experience who will be able to advise effectively. I am satisfied that those who have been appointed are alive to the needs of walkers, campers and others with open-air interests, and will take them fully into account in considering the problems of protecting the countryside while ensuring its full enjoyment.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that many of these bodies, representing campers and walkers and others, play a large part in the formulation and development of National Parks? Is it not right that they should have some form of representation on the new body, as they are extremely anxious about it?

Mr. Willey

I am anxious that they shall continue to play an active part, but I am equally anxious that the Commission should not be a representative body.

Mr. Blenkinsop

But—

Mr. Peter Mills

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind how right and proper are the recommendations made by the hon. Member for South Shields (Mr. Blenkinsop) and that this body should not be composed only of elderly and retired people?

Mr. Willey

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that it is not so composed.

Mr. Blenkinsop

I beg to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Answer, I will seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment as early as possible.