§ Mr. de Freitasasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware that over the last decade an average of less than one penny per person per year has been spent on National Parks; and whether he will introduce legislation to provide for increased expenditure from central funds for the work of the National Parks in preserving and enhancing the beauties of the countryside.
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§ Mr. BrookeI am so aware; but at the same time the annual Exchequer contribution towards National Parks has steadily increased. Representations have been made to me for widening the range of Exchequer assistance. I cannot however make any statement about the possibility of introducing new legislation for this purpose.