HC Deb 17 April 1969 vol 781 cc1301-2
3. Mr. Peter M. Jackson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he proposes to take to ensure public access to those parts of the Snowdonia National park to which his attention has been drawn by the Executive Committee of the Rambler's Association; and whether he will make a statement.

The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mrs. Eirene White)

A Working Party, consisting of representatives of the Welsh Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Countryside Commission, the Nature Conservancy and the local planning authority, is making a study of that part of Snowdonia purchased by the Secretary of State with a view to preparing a plan for its future use and management. Access to this land is one of the matters which is receiving special attention. Elsewhere access arrangements are under consideration between the planning authority and the Countryside Commission.

Mr. Jackson

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I draw two matters to her attention? The first is that the Caernarvon County Council have still not produced a definitive footpath map. Second, it appears to be intended to sell off parts of the Vaynol estate, recently purchased by the nation, without any access agreements having been secured. Will it not be infinitely more difficult to secure those agreements once the land has returned to private ownership?

Mr. Speaker

Order. Questions must be reasonably brief.

Mrs. White

I share my hon. Friend's regret at the delay in publishing a definitive footpath map for Caernarvon, but we are in touch with the county council about it. As to the other part of my hon. Friend's Question, it is due to a complete misapprehension. My right hon. Friend has no intention of selling off any land until he has received the report of the working party.

Mr. Gwynfor Evans

Is the hon. Lady aware that this is a good illustration of the need for the national parks of Wales to be administered by the people of Wales rather than by a national body, and the need for a Welsh Countryside Commission for that purpose?

Mrs. White

If the hon. Gentleman studies the matter, he will appreciate that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has purchased a large area of Snowdonia, as Secretary of State for Wales, precisely for the benefit of the people of Wales and of other parts of the Kingdom.

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