HC Deb 07 March 1966 vol 725 cc1693-4
14. Mr. Hazell

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what facilities will normally be provided in the country parks outlined in Command Paper No. 2928.

Mr. Skeffington

In all country parks there will be an agreeable area to walk or sit in, and space for parking cars. The extent to which these basic facilities are supplemented by others, of which there should certainly be a wide range, will depend on local circumstances and on demand and this must be left largely to the discretion of the Countryside Commission and the authorities planning and creating country parks. Paragraph 20 of the White Paper gives examples of facilities which might be provided, including restaurants, boating lakes and paddling pools, ornamental water and space for organised sports.

Mr. Hazell

I am very grateful to the Minister for that lengthy reply. Will the area known as the Norfolk Broadland area be included in such a scheme?

Mr. Skeffington

Discussions are still going on in relation to this, but it is thought unlikely that the whole of this area would be a country park. Discussions are going on with the various local authorities at present about its future and a decision about the area is much more likely to be the result of discussions between the local authorities.

Mr. Peter Mills

Will the Minister bear in mind that what is also needed in National Parks is toilet and washing facilities and particularly very large bins or receptacles for waste paper and rubbish?

Mr. Skeffington

Yes, I entirely agree. These seem to be elementary requirements, but it is surprising how often they have not been provided, largely, I suppose, because it has not been anybody's statutory duty until now to do so. We hope that the whole emphasis now contained in the White Paper will result in a very considerable improvement.