§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the purpose of the alterations now being made to the rough cart track and public footpath running up Ennerdale through land occupied by the Forestry Commission; what is the need for the road surface to be of tarmac, or for the width of the road, augmented by passing places, to exceed eight feet; and whether he will give an assurance that the road will not become a public motor road and that recognition will be given to the need for preserving the natural beauty of this secluded national park area.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe purpose of the alterations is to make the track suitable for vehicles for forest fire-fighting and transport of forest produce. The surface will be earth-bound, not tarmac, and the width, excluding passing bays, will be nine feet, which is the minimum consistent with the purpose of the alterations. I can assure my hon. Friend that 247W there is no intention to make a public motor road and that due regard will be had to the amenities. Full discussions have already been held with the Ministry of Town and Country Planning, local authorities, and other interested bodies.