§ Mr. Kirbyasked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to set up a statutory national parks commission to plan and protect such parts of England and Wales as the Lake District, Snowdonia, the South Downs, and the Peak District, and preserve such beauty spots from spoliation by builders and industrialists and to maintain them as open spaces free to the public perpetuity?
§ Sir K. WoodLocal authorities have power to make planning schemes for the protection of areas of natural interest or beauty. Schemes are, in fact, being prepared for the Lake District, the South Downs and the Peak District. My Department are in touch with the local authorities in Snowdonia, and I hope that the initial steps in the preparation of a scheme will very shortly be taken.