§ 10. Mr. William Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps were taken to acquire the Vaynol Estate for Wales; and whether, in view of recent development, assurances have been sought about the future use of those parts of the estate including Snowdon, hitherto used by the general public.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesFollowing my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement to the House on 3rd May, 1967, the agents for the Vaynol Estate were approached with a view to possible Government purchase of parts of the estate lying within the National Park. Now that the owner has decided to dispose of the whole of the estate privately, the Government will pursue discussions with the new owners. Future changes in the use of the land would, in any case, of course, be subject to planning control.—[Vol. 746, c. 91–2.]
§ Mr. EdwardsIs my right hon. Friend aware that the record of the new owners in their dealing with other estates they have acquired in other parts of the country, and, in particular, the Lake District, is not very good? When he obtains these assurances, will he ensure that they are legal assurances that may be effective both in relation to Snowdon 2453 and to the rights of the tenants on the estate?
§ Mr. HughesI cannot comment on the standing of the new buyers, or make any helpful observations, until discussions with them have taken place.