§ 2.36 p.m.
§ LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDALMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made in agreeing proposals in the vicinity of Thirlmere for (1) Lay-bys for Lake Viewpoints; (2) Lakeside Footpaths; (3) Lakeside access areas; (4) Fellside Access; and (5) Camping Sites for tents and caravans.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)My Lords, the provision of further access to the Thirlmere lakeside and its immediate surroundings depends on the installation of treatment plant for the water, which is at present put into supply with only partial treatment. I understand that Manchester Corporation intend to provide full treatment as they have already done for their Longdendale reservoirs, and as they plan to do for Haweswater. This is a large-scale project costing £2 million to £3 million, and the Corporation cannot yet say when it will begun. Meanwhile, there have been discussions between officials of the Cumberland County Council and the Corporation of Manchester and agreement appears to have been reached on access to the fell-side and on extension of the picnic site at Station Coppice, but both these matters will have to be considered by the appropriate committees of the authorities.
§ LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDALMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that reply may I ask whether he is aware that greater access can be given to the neighbourhood of Thirlmere than is now the case, and before the building of this purification plant, without any danger to health? Is he further aware that while it is satisfactory to learn that some progress has been made, nevertheless, provided that there is no danger to health, that progress could be increased?
§ LORD KENNETMy Lords, the question of access to Thirlmere is one which is very near to the hearts of the Lake District Planning Board, but in the long run it has to depend on the assessment of the health question, on which the views of Manchester Corporation have very much to be taken into account.
§ VISCOUNT BRENTFORDMy Lords, will the noble Lord bear in mind that there is really little point in improving the amenities at these places, so as to encourage tourists to visit them, unless at the same time roads leading to them from the neighbouring conurbations are improved so as to carry the traffic?
§ LORD KENNETMy Lords, that is another question, but I surely will bear it in mind.