§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will give an assurance that he will not exercise his powers, or agree to applications for compulsory purchase orders from local authorities, the Metropolitan Water Board, and other such bodies, so as to derogate from the provisions of sections 7 and 9 of the Epping Forest Act 1878 that the forest should at all times be kept uninclosed and unbuilt on as an open space for the recreation and enjoyment of the public; and how often in the last five years his powers have been exercised without the consent of the Corporation of the City of London as conservators of Epping Forest.
§ Mr. MacCollThese powers have not been exercised to confirm any compulsory purchase order or to authorise development in Epping Forest during the last five years. Any application which has to be decided in future will be considered on its merits.