§ 75. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received from the City of London Corporation and other sources in respect of preservation of the area and amenities of Epping Forest, in view of immediate and prospective road developments; how much of Epping Forest in the borough of Leyton and elsewhere has been, or will during the next five years be, acquired for such development; and what is the existing agreement between the Corporation and his Department on matters of transport affecting the forest.
§ Mr. MarplesIn the last seven years the Corporation has dedicated approximately 0.6 acres of Epping Forest land for trunk road improvements, none of it being in Leyton. Current negotiations are for 2.3 acres in Leyton and 1.02 acres elsewhere. The figure for other roads is not readily available.
No forest land requirements are anticipated for the present classified road programme and only small amounts for two programmed trunk road schemes. Should the route for the Bishop's Stortford Motorway be found to affect forest land we will discuss proposals with the Corporation at an early stage.
During negotiations we have, of course, been made aware by the Corporation of their concern to preserve the amenities of the forest. I understand that it is the policy of the Corporation to make up any losses by suitable replacement of land whenever possible. I have not been made aware of the need for a special agreement between the Corporation and my Department on transport matters generally.