HC Deb 14 November 1966 vol 736 c13
20. Mr. McNamara

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on his discussions with the National Trust over the progress of Enterprise Neptune.

Mr. Willey

Full and detailed discussions were held with the National Trust before the Government decided to contribute to Enterprise Neptune. I have had no further discussions, but my Department is informed of the progress of this project in the course of making disbursements of the Government contribution.

Mr. McNamara

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask whether he would not agree that in view of the recent publicity, which has tended to a large extent to denigrate some of the excellent work of the National Trust, it would be in the public interest to take steps to have the initial legislation amended to make the Trust more publicly responsible?

Mr. Willey

I will consider what my hon. Friend has said, but I have no reason to concern myself with this legislation at the moment.

Mr. Costain

Is the Minister aware that the War Office proposes to take over as a rifle range a charming piece of the Kent Coast—the Warren, Folkestone? Can the right hon. Gentleman help by stopping this erosion of Enterprise Neptune?

Mr. Willey

I am well aware of the hon. Member's concern about his constituency. If he will get in touch with me, I will certainly look into the matter.