§ 25. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to ensure that those who use the countryside are made aware of the risks of causing damage ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YoungerEducation in the proper use of the countryside is one of the chief concerns of the Countryside Commission for Scotland, which made this a main theme in its contribution to European Conservation Year 1970 and is still increasing its efforts to promote better behaviour in the countryside.
§ Mr. RankinWhile welcoming that statement, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that the countryside nowadays is being used increasingly by large cities for the disposal of their rubbish, with consequent disfigurement and the pollution of the streams, which is becoming increasingly evident? Will he look at that aspect of the problem and see what can be done to give the country a better deal?
§ Mr. YoungerI agree that this is a growing problem. I can assure the hon. Member that the Countryside Commission is well aware of this. As a matter of interest, it has appointed a project officer at Speyside to study visitor problems at first hand. This experiment will provide the basis for considering the potential of a special range of services in pressure areas where there are large : numbers of visitors.
§ Mr. RankinIt is all right having appointed—[Interruption.]—It is all right having appointed an officer at Speyside, but why not have one for the rural areas surrounding Glasgow? We need one very badly there.
§ Mr. YoungerI am sure that the Countryside Commission will note what the hon. Gentleman has said. The appointment of the officer at Speyside is in the nature of an experiment, and if it is successful, I am sure that the Commission will build upon that.