HC Deb 24 June 1968 vol 767 cc144-5

POWER TO PROVIDE COUNTRY PARKS

Lords Amendment No. 5: In page 9, line 5, at end insert: Provided that a local authority shall not under this section provide accommodation, meals or refreshments except in so far as it appears to them that the facilities there for within the country park are inadequate or unsatisfactory, either generally or as respects any description of accommodation, meals or refreshments, as the case may be".

Mr. Skeffington

I beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment.

Those hon. Members who were with us during the Committee stage will remember the number of discussions we had about the provision of accommodation, meals and refreshments, and matters of that kind. The series of Amendments which was originally moved in this connection seemed much too wide, since it referred to being satisfied about the standard of such facilities outside a countryside park. The purpose of the Government's case was to get people inside and, when they are inside, it is hoped to encourage them to stay by providing at any rate a minimum of provisions. This Amendment prevents duplication by ensuring that the authority before proceeding shall satisfy itself that within the area of a countryside park it is not engaging in unnecessary duplication. If there is a farmhouse which provides Devonshire teas, it can continue to do so if the standard is adequate. The Amendment is more restrictive and more sensible, and I hope therefore that the House will accept it.

Mr. Channon

I do not complain about the Government accepting this Amendment. We tried on two occasions in Standing Committee and Report stage to get an Amendment in almost precisely similar terms accepted. On both occasions we were voted down by the Government. I am most grateful for the common sense of their Lordships and Ministers in the other place and the common sense of Ministers in this House which has led them to accept the Amendment. It will be welcomed, and I am sure it will help the operation of the Bill.

Question put and agreed to.

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