§ 14. Mr. Goronwy Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to amend the boundaries of the Snowdonia National Park so as to include the Island of Bardsey, Caernarvonshire.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe island of Bardsey is more than 27 miles from the nearest point of the Snowdonia National Park and has already been included in the Lleyn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Therefore my answer to the Question is "No, Sir".
§ Mr. RobertsWill the Secretary of State confirm that the local planning authority has power to make an access order to this island although it is not at present included in the Snowdonia National Park? Secondly, does the right hon. Gentleman agree that, the island being outside the National Park, it is somewhat unlikely that the local planning authority will move in the matter? Will the right hon. Gentleman encourage it to do so, so as to secure access, even if the ownership of this historic and attractive island changes hands?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI confirm what the right hon. Gentleman says: namely, that the local planning authority has certain power. I apologise to him for misleading him in the letter that I sent him recently on the subject. The power itself is contained in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949, and the amending Act of 1968. The local planning authority has power, subject to my confirmation, but the matter is initially one for the planning authority.