§ Q2. Dr, David Kerrasked the Prime Minister whether he will now transfer full responsibilty for the development of camping facilities in Great Britain to the Department of Education and Science.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The development of camping facilities has a part to play in the Departmental work of a number of my right hon. Friends and is best handled by them. There is, of course, full co-ordination between the Departments concerned.
§ Dr. KerrIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are about 2 million campers in this country, and many more who want to come here from overseas and enjoy camping facilities? Could not he do something to ensure that the integration to which he referred leads to better provision of camping sites and facilities, with consequent saving of overseas expenditure and an increase in invisible earnings?
§ The Prime MinisterI know that my hon. Friend has taken up with my right 1129 hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade the importance of camping facilities here for international tourists visiting Britain. I do not think that the right answer is to have one Department responsible. Obviously, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food mast be responsible on forestry land, and my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Wales have responsibilities. There is also the question of the Countryside Bill. I do not think that it would be right to concentrate everything under one Minister.