HC Deb 25 March 1969 vol 780 cc1247-8
25. Mr. Murray

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many areas of outstanding natural beauty are under consideration by the Countryside Commission for designation.

Mr. Skeffington

Eight, Sir, including one in Wales. The Commission hopes to designate three of them—Dedham Vale, the Suffolk Coast and Heaths, and the Wye Valley—this year, and perhaps a fourth, the North Wessex Downs.

Mr. Murray

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to tell us how long it will be before all these eight areas are designated?

Mr. Skeffington

This is a somewhat lengthy process, because it is necessary to carry out very wide consultations. The Countryside Commission has adopted the new procedure of going direct to the county councils and getting them to fix the boundary. This is apparently leading to some speed-up in the cases mentioned.

Mr. Whitaker

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable concern on the part of the Ramblers Association, among others, at the lack of access in some areas such as Snowdonia?

Mr. Skeffington

I am well aware of that, but that is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

31. Mr. Ensor

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many areas of outstanding nature beauty have been designated and confirmed since October, 1964; what acreage is involved; and how this compares with the previous four years.

Mr. Skeffington

Since October, 1964, eight areas of outstanding natural beauty (including one in Wales) have been confirmed with a total area of 1,924 square miles. This compares with five areas, totalling 666 square miles, confirmed during the previous four years.