HC Deb 17 July 1973 vol 860 cc425-6

Lords Amendment: No. 67, in page 26, line 44, leave out "natural beauty of the countryside" and insert beauty of, or amenity in, any rural or urban area".

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

I beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said amendment.

This again fulfils an undertaking given in Committee. The point at issue was whether the phrase "natural beauty" covered urban as well as rural areas. With the help of the other place, we have now covered both rural and urban areas.

Mr. Denis Howell

I agree that the point has been adequately met. I am especially grateful to the Government for writing in the word "amenity" as well as the phrase "natural beauty". The two can be separate. Camping and picnicking areas, for example, are general amenities for the public and must be a responsibility, as well as that of preserving areas of natural beauty. I am glad that that has now been done.

Question put and agreed to.

Subsequent Lords Amendments agreed to.

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