§ Dr. Grayasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take steps to ensure public access to all broads and staithes whether publicly or privately owned.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonThe powers of local planning authorities to provide public access to open country, whether in public or private ownership, were extended by the Countryside Act, 1968, to cover rivers, canals, expanses of water through which rivers run and strips of adjacent land. My right hon. Friend will ask these authorities shortly to undertake a further review of their arrangements for public access.
§ Dr. Grayasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to confer on local authorities power to protect land, which is not privately owned, adjacent to public staithes.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonI do not know of any general need for such legislation, but if my hon. Friend will let me have details of any difficulties I shall be glad to look into them.