§ Sir Geoffrey FinsbergTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what conclusions he has reached on the future of Hampstead heath; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerFollowing a recommendation from the London residuary body last April that its functions, properties, rights and liabilities in respect of Hampstead heath be transferred to the corporation of the City of London, my Department invited comments on the contents of the proposed order to give effect to the LRB's recommendation. Comments were received from 36 local authorities, organisations and individuals.
After careful consideration of the comments I have concluded that an order shall be laid before Parliament to give effect to the proposals set out in the consultation letter of 14 June 1988 subject to one modification.
We have concluded that, with one exception, it is appropriate that the city corporation should be able to exercise all powers that were exercisable by the GLC in respect of Hampstead heath. The exception relates to section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 (power to dispose of land).