§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, what information he has as to the amounts of Great Britain's coastline which are built on or otherwise developed, and which are unspoilt and protected from development, respectively; how much is included and 143W will be included in National Parks; and whether he is satisfied that coastal areas are sufficiently safeguarded for the nation.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonThe National Parks Commission advise me that of the total length. of 2,742 miles of coast round England and Wales, 687 miles have been developed or are proposed for development. The rest is either under protective ownerships of which the National Trust is the largest owner, or is relatively un-spoilt and covered by policies designed by the local planning authorities substantially to prohibit new development. Of this protected coastline 266 miles are included in National Parks, and 781 miles in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A full set of statistics relating to the use, development and protection of the coast of England and Wales will be published by the Commission shortly.
My right hon. Friend is satisfied that local planning authorities are now paying especial attention to the safeguarding of their coastal areas. However, he is awaiting the report of the Commission resulting from the conferences which they held with all maritime planning authorities to review the existing policies for safeguarding the coast and to make recommendations for any changes considered desirable. My right hon. Friend expects to receive the report later this year.