§ Mr. William Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will take steps to encourage the development of properly planned and attractive camping and caravan sites alongside small villages that do not receive any benefit from the growth in the tourist industry within the national parks; and whether he will discourage the establishment and extension of caravan sites on coastline of very high scenic value.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThe need for, and the location of, caravan sites are matters for consideration by the local planning authorities in the first instance. At my request, maritime planning authorities have already formulated informal policies for the control of coastal development including caravan sites. These policies are designed to safeguard unspoilt stretches of the coast pending the publication of the comprehensive report of 45W the National Parks Commission on the series of coastal conferences which they held in 1966–67. On receipt of the report I shall consider with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government and other colleagues, what further action, if any, is required by the Government to reconcile the need to preserve unspoilt coast line with the need for essential development, including development for holidays and recreation.