§ 10. Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met the chairman of the Welsh committee of the Countryside Commission; and what subjects were discussed.
§ Mr. John Stradling ThomasI met the chairman of the committee on 22 February to discuss national park matters.
§ Mr. D. E. ThomasI am glad to hear that that meeting has taken place. Can the Minister tell us whether, in his discussions with the chairman, the consultants' report on the so-called efficiency of national parks was discussed? Can he assure the House that no crude standards will be applied to national parks, in particular to the essential study centre at Tan-y-bwlch in my constituency, which is threatened by the alleged efficiencies proposed by the consultants?
§ Mr. John Stradling ThomasThe Countryside Commission, which sponsored the report jointly with the Department of the Environment and the Welsh Office, is now awaiting the responses of the national park authorities and the local authority associations. The Countryside Commission committee for Wales will be fully involved in considering those responses and in making recommendations to the Government. I have noted the specific matter that the hon. Gentleman raised. At the last meeting, in the light of what I have just said, there was no real purpose in having an in-depth discussion on the subject, because the review is coming forward and we shall have further consultations.