HC Deb 10 March 1971 vol 813 cc410-1
48. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now make a statement concerning the conservation of water in national parks.

Mr. Graham Page

Each proposal for conservation of water must be considered on its merits—and in the light of the possible alternatives. Among the factors to be taken into account are cost, the agricultural value of land, the effects on communities, the recreational potentials and, of course, the location from the environmental point of view. The alternatives to inland reservoirs are at present limited and more such reservoirs will have to be built to meet both immediate needs and longer-term needs. My right hon. Friend will not approve proposals for reservoirs in national narks unless he is satisfied, having regard to all the factors, that this is the best solution.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Does not my hon. Friend agree that there is conflict between the necessity of conserving the beautiful countryside of Derbyshire and increasing the water supply of the urban populations? Will he therefore urge his right hon. Friend to expedite the estuarial development of water catchment areas so as to supply water to the urban areas which have an ever-increasing need for it?

Mr. Page

Yes, my right hon. Friend intends to make a statement shortly on certain estuarial problems.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will the Secretary of State also make sure that the best possible use is made of the water resources in national parks for recreational purposes?

Mr. Page

Yes, every case has to be considered strictly on its merits.

Mr. Jopling

Does my hon. Friend agree that sufficient water has been taken from the Lake District National Park and that no more should be taken without the most serious consideration? How soon will he be able to say what will be the Government's policy on the Morecambe Bay study when it appears?

Mr. Page

The Morecambe Bay study has not yet been received, so I cannot say when a decision may be made upon it. On my hon. Friend's first point, any proposal relating to the national parks will, of course, receive the most serious consideration.